December 22, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. … Kinderkonzerts, the popular ensemble-based series which provide an interactive first Oregon Symphony experience for children in kindergarten through second grade, continues on Jan. 23, 24 and 25 at three Portland-area elementary schools. The 30-minute concerts, several of which have already sold out at Peninsula Elementary, Lent Elementary and Witch Hazel Elementary, feature Symphony musicians Karen Wagner, Martha Herby, Leon Chodos, Todd Kuhns and Mary Grant, who will introduce students to the different instruments in the woodwind family.
The Kinderkonzerts series is sponsored by Boeing and the Stimson-Miller Foundation, with further support from the Bank of America Foundation, Tektronix, the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, RBC Dain Rauscher Foundation, the U.S. Trust Foundation, the U.S. Bank Foundation and the Juan Young Trust.
In this concert, Martha Herby, flute; Karen Wagner, oboe; Todd Kuhns, clarinet; Leon Chodos, bassoon and Mary Grant, French horn, joined by narrator Amy Haroldson, combine their musical and culinary talents as they make “Song Soup,” a special recipe with a mix of the “secret” ingredients melody, tempo, and harmony. The concert will feature musical excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “Humoresque” and Gounod’s “Funeral March of the Marionette,” as well as the children’s songs “Fish & Chips & Vinegar” and “Chiapanecas.”
“High quality experiences in the arts are an essential component to early childhood education,” says Emilia Smith, Director of Education and Community Engagement. “Taking the musicians out of the concert hall and into schools allows for a more intimate environment encouraging active participation by students and musicians alike.” The Kinderkonzerts series is tailored to provide young students with a first-time Symphony music experience in an age-appropriate format. Bringing the Symphony musicians and instruments to the students and performing on site with small ensembles of instrument families rather than the full orchestra provides a more intimate, less overwhelming learning experience. “A cycle of four concerts allows for a progressive introduction to basic musical elements. Musical concepts introduced at one concert can be reiterated and expanded throughout the cycle and school year in the students’ classroom lessons,” Smith adds.
The schools chosen for the Kinderkonzerts series were selected to serve diverse geographical and economic populations. “Lack of transportation is often a barrier to participation,” says Smith. “The locations of the host schools allow nearby students to walk and/or take public transportation to the concert, which removes the need to provide costly transportation.” In addition, she adds, these particular schools are committed to maintaining an arts curriculum of their own and are supportive of the Symphony’s education programs.
“Song Soup” will be performed on Monday, Jan. 23, at 9 and 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Witch Hazel Elementary in Hillsboro. The concert will repeat at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Peninsula Elementary in north Portland; the 10:30 concert is sold out. The concert series will conclude at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Lent Elementary in southeast Portland; the 9:30 concert is sold out. Tickets are $2/per student and are free to students in the federal free and reduced lunch programs. All children are welcome to attend these concerts, and they are open to anybody in grades K-2. Daycare programs and homeschoolers are encouraged to contact the department of Education and Community Engagement. For more information about Kinderkonzerts, contact the Symphony’s department of Education and Community Engagement at 503-228-4294, by email at educate@orsymphony.org, or visit the Symphony’s Web site at www.orsymphony.org.
