March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 42 F

Annapolis Symphony’s music van on the move

Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

Annapolis Symphony OrchestraBeginning last week the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Music Van will be on the road to provide musical instrument demonstrations for second and third graders at 14 elementary schools in Anne Arundel County.  The Music Van is an essential part of the ASO’s Education and Outreach program that starts with Education Concerts for second graders and continues with Adopt-A-School for upper elementary, middle and high school music students.

Music study enhances teamwork and discipline, while teaching skills that are necessary in the workplace.  Recent studies show that students who study music are more successful on standardized tests such as the SAT, achieve higher grades in high school and are more likely to go to college.  Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning while providing a means of self-expression. Recognizing the significant benefits of musical instruction, the Bank of America Foundation provided funding for the ASO’s Music Van in 2015.

The ASO’s Music Van program is specifically designed to stimulate interest and participation in music study.  Teams of four professional musicians from the orchestra will offer a hands-on experience with string, woodwind and brass instruments.  They will also encourage the young students to take music lessons on the instrument of their choice when the school term begins in the fall of 2015.  Instruction on string instruments is available in the third grade and students can learn to play woodwind and brass instruments beginning in fourth grade.

ASO musicians participating in the Music Van program this year include violinists Nikita Borisevich, Karin Kelleher, Nicholas Montopoli, Abby Oliver and Rachael Stockton; cellists Yoni Draiblate, Alison Bazala Kim and Dan Shomper; flutist Kimberly Valerio; and Tony Valerio French horn.  ASO Orchestra Manager Marshall Mentz coordinates the Music Van program, involving a cadre volunteers in the school visits.

ASO Music Van 2015 school visit schedule:

 

Thursday May 21

Aleph Bet Jewish Day School

 

 

Friday May 22

Sunset Elementary

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Wednesday May 27

Tracey’s Elementary

Monday June 1

Benfield Elementary

 

Monday May 18

Annapolis Area Christian School

Tuesday June 2

Crofton Meadows Elementary

 

Tuesday May 19

St. Martin’s Lutheran

Wednesday June 3

St. Mary’s Elementary

 

Thursday May 21

Brooklyn Park Elementary

 

Thursday June 4

Deale Elementary

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