Outreach Activities
Reaching
under-served audiences and people with disabilities is a high
priority for Musicians of the Old Post Road and the Old Post Road
concert series. The ensemble offers presentations and performances to
students that allow them to experience a variety of musical periods,
styles, instruments, and composers.
Outreach presentations have reached more than 2,800 students in
Boston and area schools. Musicians of the Old Post Road has been
selected by the Massachusetts Cultural Council for its Artist Roster
for outreach events and the PASS program. Supplemental funding for
these purposes is available from the Council (by application) to
schools interested in hosting an event.
From
the Fall of 2000 through Spring of 2002, the ensemble established an
outreach initiative with the Charles Taylor Elementary School in
Dorchester. Entitled Composer of the Month, the program provided in-class
readings about composers’ lives as well as performances by the ensemble.
In
the spring of 2005, while the ensemble was in residence at Dartmouth
College, educational presentations included Music from Early America
for elementary school students in Lebenon, NH, a coaching session for
the Upper Valley String Ensemble, masterclasses, and several in-class
appearances for Dartmouth students.
In
March 2007, Musicians of the Old Post Road treated third, fourth,
and fifth graders at the Trotter Elementary School to an outreach
presentation in the school’s auditorium. Focusing on the life
and music of Joseph Haydn, the students had the opportunity to learn
about Haydn’s life and to hear works played on the types of
instruments that were available to him. A lively question and answer
session followed the presentation.
In an effort to encourage more children to attend series concerts,
the organization has initiated Kids Come Free for most performances
on its concert series. This program enables children ages 7-17 to be
admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
In
addition to presentations for students, the ensemble brings
presentations to senior centers and retirement communities. For
series concerts, large print programs are available, and whenever
possible, the organization seeks concert series venues that offer
accessibility to the mobility-impaired.
Also see our You Tube video
of an outreach program at the Evertt School in Dorchewster, recorded
in December, 2007.
