Kimmel Center Announces 2009-10 Schedule of Educational Offerings
SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
Opportunities for Free Transportation Provided by the Aetna-Kimmel Bus Program
Kimmel Center Education Department announces educational offerings scheduled for the 2009-10 season, including: PNC Grow Up Great free children's concerts, student matinees, tuition-free teen summer arts camps, free curriculum-based performing arts classes and various community education and outreach programs. Educational opportunities are available for all ages and experience levels for educators, early childhood from birth to five year-olds, students in grades 5-12 as well as adult life-long learners.
Now in its second year, the Aetna-Kimmel Bus Program provides students from under-resourced areas the opportunity to experience the rich benefits of an arts education. The program enables free bus services for students who attend schools that cannot afford the cost of transportation to the Kimmel Center's free curriculum-based classes, student matinees and other programs. Grants are awarded by assessment of need. For more information, contact the Education Projects Coordinator at 215-670-2371.
Many of the Kimmel Center's educational activities are offered free of charge. Free interactive curriculum-based performing arts classes engage students with a focus on American culture through music, dance and theater arts, and are taught by the Kimmel Center's teaching staff as well as special guests. The PNC Grow Up Great initiative provides a series of free concerts designed for children under five years-old on the first Saturday of each month at 11am from October through May at the Kimmel Center.
This year's student matinees include performances by dance companies Philadanco and Black Grace, and jazz vocalist Denise King. The student matinees are an opportunity for students and teachers to experience live performances by artists from the Kimmel Center Presents series for only $10 per person. Subsidized tickets are also available to groups of four or more from schools, community organizations, faith-based and social service groups for a variety of concerts at a cost of $10 each.
Please see below for a full calendar of educational offerings at the Kimmel Center during the 2009-10 season.
For additional information and to register for classes, call 215-670-2371 or visit www.kimmelcenter.org/education. Tickets for the Keyboard Conversations® are available through the box office, by calling 215-893-1999 or at www.kimmelcenter.org
PNC GROW UP GREAT
The Kimmel Center is the recipient of partnership funding through the nationally recognized PNC Grow Up Great initiative, a 10-year, $100 million investment in preparing children for success in school and life.
Funding from PNC Foundation will give support to the Kimmel Center's three-pronged early childhood arts education program, which includes "Bop and Swing," a program designed to promote literacy development and an appreciation for jazz; a series of free Saturday morning concerts at the Kimmel Center designed for children under five years-old; and scholarships to the Temple University Early Childhood Music Program classes held at the Kimmel Center and Temple University Center City on Mondays throughout the school year. Schools participating in the "Bop and Swing" program, selected by the Kimmel Center in cooperation with the Office of Early Childhood Education, are the Nebinger School, George Washington Elementary and Vare Beacon Community School.
PNC Grow Up Great Free in the Plaza Series
Held on the first Saturday of each month at 11am in Commonwealth Plaza, unless otherwise noted at www.kimmelcenter.org/family.
Chip & Annie
Saturday, October 3, 2009 | 11am
Commonwealth Plaza
Described by WXPN as sparkling and charming, Chip & Annie perform
an interactive, hands-on show with plenty of singing along. Kids and
parents can expect to hear a mix of original and fun family folk tunes
and known favorites on guitar, banjo, ukulele and mandolin.
Bill & Tammy's Children's World Music Express
Saturday, November 7, 2009 | 11am
Commonwealth Plaza
Children's
World Music Express celebrates music and movement through cultural
diversity. Bill & Tammy engage children in a variety of songs,
dance, styles, rhythms and melodies from around the world. Program
includes: ethnic songs, American traditional songs and instruments from
Greek, African, Indian, Latin, Middle Eastern, Western and Asian
cultures.
Two of a Kind and the Give 'Em a Hand Band
Saturday, December 5, 2009 | 11am
Commonwealth Plaza
"Two of a Kind is a one-of-a-kind find!" says Publishers' Weekly.
Two of a Kind presents musical programs for audiences of all ages,
including songs, movement, sign language, puppets and more - all with
an emphasis on interaction and participation. Audiences sing and dance
to songs about everything from animals, friendship and reading to
conflict resolution, diversity and environmental topics.
New Year's Day Celebration
World Music with Daria
Friday, January 1, 2010| 11am
Commonwealth Plaza
Travel around the world in song with internationally known children's
performer Daria. In this colorful, interactive show, kids get to become
part of world music traditions by playing along on authentic
instruments from various cultures including Latin America, Africa, the
Middle East and Native America. With two Parent's Choice Awards, one
Children's Music Web and one NAPPA Award to her credit, Daria shares
music created to inspire and uplift all the world's children.
New Year's Day Celebration
Steve Pullara and His Cool Beans Band
Friday, January 1, 2010 | 12:30pm
Commonwealth Plaza
Ring
in the first day of the New Year with Philly's own award-winning Steve
Pullara and His Cool Beans Band! Your whole family will be engaged in
their popular live interactive concert. Cool Beans songs are well known
on WXPN's Kids Corner, WHYY-FM and Sirius Radio. Bring your dancing
shoes and experience them live in Commonwealth Plaza!
Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble
In Celebration of Black History Month
Saturday, February 6, 2010 | 11am
Commonwealth Plaza
Celebrate
Black History Month at the Kimmel Center with the Universal African
Dance & Drum Ensemble! Universal African Ensemble celebrates the
beauty of family and the honoring of Africa through traditional songs,
instruments, dance and drum.
Ohayo (Good Morning) Japan
In Association with the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
Saturday, March 6, 2010 | 11am
Commonwealth Plaza
Kick off the arrival of the 11th annual Cherry Blossom Festival of
Philadelphia with Japanese folk song, game playing and storytelling led
by ladies in traditional kimono dress. Ohayo Japan is one of the first events of this month-long, city-wide festival.
Louie
In Celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month
Saturday, April 10, 2010 | 11am
Commonwealth Plaza
Louie will perform his unique blend of energetic music in celebration
of Jazz Appreciation Month. A veteran musician and educator, Louie is
currently a partner in Jerry Joy Music, a company dedicated to
developing high quality programming for children and their parents.
Spiral Q Puppet Theater
Saturday, May 1, 2010 | 11am
Commonwealth Plaza
Spiral
Q has been performing in the city for over a decade, and is known for
bringing Philadelphians together in art-making and storytelling. Spiral
Q's colorful and unique puppets range from hand-sized to larger than
life, making for some awesome interactive fun.
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC PROGRAM
Temple University Music Preparatory Division and the Kimmel Center continue their educational partnership through the Early Childhood Music Foundations Program for children 0-4 years of age. Classes encourage the development of musical awareness in very young children and help parents foster their child's natural musical abilities. Classes resume in the fall of 2008. For more information, contact 215-204-1512 or visit www.temple.edu/boyer/musicprep/programs/inst_childhood.htm.
STUDENT MATINEES
Each year, the Kimmel Center offers selected student matinee performances performed by artists from the Kimmel Center Presents series. These concerts are an enjoyable way for students and teachers to experience and learn about live performances and the artists who present them. All matinees are approximately one hour in length and include program materials provided in advance of the concert.
Tickets for all concerts are $10 per person, including students and chaperones. For ticket reservations, please contact 215-670-2371 or visit www.kimmelcenter.org/education. Group discounts are also available for most Kimmel Center Presents and Broadway Series performances. Please contact Group Sales at 215-790-5883.
Philadanco | 11am
Thursday, November 12 & Friday, November 13, 2010 | Perelman Theater
Philadanco
celebrates its 40th anniversary this season with dazzling world
premieres by Christopher Huggins and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar as well as
returning favorites. This amazing dance company has toured the nation
and the world with breathtaking performances that have left audiences
bedazzled by their exuberant athleticism and stunning grace.
Recommended for grades 5-12.
Black Grace | 11am
Friday, February 26, 2010 | Perelman Theater
Black
Grace, New Zealand's all-male modern dance company comes to the Kimmel
Center's student matinee series for the first time. Founded in 1995 by
choreographer Neil Ieremia, Black Grace takes an extraordinarily bold
and daring approach to choreography by fusing rich, traditional Pacific
cultures with modern contemporary dance technique. Come take a journey
through the Pacific Isles, replete with powerful Samoan slap dancing,
singing and more as the world's leading Pacific contemporary dance
company takes center stage. Recommended for grades 5-12.
Philadanco | 11am
Thursday, April 15 & Friday, April 16, 2010 | Perelman Theater
Matinee
favorite Philadanco returns with a spring program that features the
works of Milton Myers and Ronald K. Brown. Students and teachers will
be treated to an up-close experience with the dancers as they engage in
an interactive warm-up before the performance and a question and answer
period at its conclusion. Recommended for grades 5-12.
Denise King | 11am
Thursday, May 6, 2010 | Perelman Theater
Philadelphia's
own jazz vocalist Denise King comes to the Perelman Theater as part of
the Kimmel Center's Jazz Up Close Celebrates Billie Holiday series. Ms.
King brings the music and passion of Billie Holiday to life through
rich, soulful and silky smooth vocals that are certain to delight
musical audiences. The music of Philadelphia-born legend Billie Holiday
("Lady Day") is celebrated this year, marking the 50th anniversary of
her passing. Recommended for grades 5-12.
Special Matinee Performance
Eighth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Tribute | Noon
Friday, January 15, 2010 | Perelman Theater
By invitation only.
SUBSIDIZED TICKET PROGRAM
As part of the Kimmel Center's Education and Community Outreach efforts, subsidized tickets at a cost of $10 each are offered to groups of four or more from schools, community organizations, faith-based and social service groups for a variety of concerts in both the Perelman Theater and Verizon Hall. For ticket requests and information, please contact the Education Projects Coordinator at 215-670-2371 or visit online at www.kimmelcenter.org/education.
FREE CURRICULUM-BASED CLASSES
Grades 5-8 Curriculum-Based Classes
Classes are offered from October 7, 2009 to May 20, 2010 (45 minute
classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10am and Noon).
American Culture is the theme of all classes ranging in topic from the American Musical Theater to the Jazz Age and Jazz Singing (scatting).
Merck Arts Education Classes incorporate the National Standards in The Arts: Music, Dance, Theater, American History, Geography, Social Studies and Language Arts.
Lesson #1: The Jazz Age
Music, Dance or Theater Arts (Choose ONE, TWO or all THREE)
Lively music, energetic dances and varied theatrical works of this distinctive era are presented in separate classes.
Lesson #2: Vocal Jazz Techniques - Scatting Styles
Music only
Students are taught the history of "scat" by analyzing the styles of
jazz artists from the 1920s to the present. A vocal "jam session" is
the culminating musical activity.
Lesson #3: American Musical Theater
Music, Dance or Theater Arts (Choose ONE, TWO or all THREE)
Students are actively engaged in each arts discipline while exploring the components of the American Musical.
Lesson #4: Electronic Keyboard
Music only
Using keyboard instruments provided by the Kimmel Center, students will
learn to develop melodies and create their own jazz pieces.
Lesson #5: The Jazz Heritage in Philadelphia
Music only
The Jazz Heritage in Philadelphia gives students an opportunity to
experience the great cultural jazz legacy created by some of the
world's most celebrated jazz musicians who were born in or who made
Philadelphia their home.
Lesson #6: Musical Pot Luck
Music only
The "Musical Pot Luck" music class will be taught using one of the
following recipes as prepared by the chef: Synthetic Appetizer, Gumbo
Genius 70s, Sgt. Dr. Pepper or A Lil'This, A Lil'That. Each recipe will
include hands-on experience with some of the various ingredients that
make each one of these dishes tasty to the musical palette.
Grades 9 – 12 Curriculum-Based Classes
Classes will be
offered from Wednesday, October 8, 2008 to Wednesday, May 20, 2009 (50
minute classes on Wednesdays at 10am and Noon).
Classes are humanities-based and appropriate for all high school ages. Educators and students of all subjects are invited to attend any or all of the five 50-minute sessions, complete with a tour of the Kimmel Center.
Lesson #1: American Musical Theater
All key components of a musical are explored as well as a brief history
of the evolution of this unique American art form. Students will create
their own musical scene with choreography, acting and singing.
Lesson #2: The Jazz Age: Tin Pan Alley
Flappers, jazz and razzamatazz are the essence of this class where
students take a musical excursion through the "Roaring Twenties" down a
street called "Tin Pan Alley," the birth-place of American popular
music.
Lesson #3: The Jazz Age: The Harlem Renaissance
Explore the music, dance, visual art and literary works created during this time of cultural rebirth in Harlem, New York City.
Lesson #4: The Jazz Heritage in Philadelphia
This lesson affords students an opportunity to learn about the great
jazz legacy created by some of the world's most celebrated musicians
who were born in or who made Philadelphia their home.
Lesson #5: TSOP — The Sound of Philadelphia
Boogaloo down Broad Street to a sound called TSOP created by recording
icons Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the founders of Philadelphia
International Records, and enjoy a tour of the famous Philadelphia
International Recording Studio.
KIMMEL CENTER YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLE
The Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble introduces a professional-level musical experience to gifted young artists, providing them the opportunity to train with accomplished jazz musicians and teachers, and to perform in the Kimmel Center's concert halls. The ensemble also performs throughout the region as ambassadors for the Kimmel Center to the community.
Auditions:
Saturday, September 26, 2009 | 12-3pm
Merck Arts Education Center
Those interested in auditioning must register online at www.kimmelcenter.org/education/jazzauditions.php. Auditions consist of sight reading and improvisation. All materials are supplied.
For more information, visit www.kimmelcenter.org/education or call the Education Projects Coordinator at 215-670-2371.
Performances include:
Winter Concert
Noon | December 12, 2009
Commonwealth Plaza
This concert is free and open to the public.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Noon | January 15, 2010
Perelman Theater
This concert is available by invitation only.
Music In Our Schools Month Concert
12:30pm | March 27, 2010
Commonwealth Plaza
This concert is free and open to the public.
Jazz Appreciation Month Concert
Noon | April 24, 2010
Commonwealth Plaza
This concert is free and open to the public.
Summer Solstice Celebration
Time TBA | June 19, 2010
Location TBA
Guests
must pay the entrance fee for the Summer Solstice Celebration in order
to watch this performance. Tickets can be purchased at 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org or at the door.
TEEN SUMMER ARTS CAMP
The Kimmel Center sponsors four tuition-free camps for talented students ages 14 to 18. Each two-week session provides challenging works and professional instruction/coaching from teachers and performers; small group instruction; master classes; free tickets to performances; and the culminating program, "Moments of Sharing," performed in Perelman Theater or Verizon Hall for family, friends and the community.
Students are accepted by audition only. Students are required to submit an application form complete with student essay and non-refundable $25 application fee, as well as to participate in an audition. For all audition times, check the education website at www.kimmelcenter.org/education.
The 2010 Teen Summer Arts Camp Schedules include:
Choral/Vocal Camp
Monday, June 21-Friday, July 2, 2010
Audition: Saturday, May 1, 2010
Jazz Camp
Tuesday, July 6-Friday, July 16, 2010
Audition: Saturday, May 8, 2010
Pipe Organ Camp
Monday, June 28-Friday, July 9, 2010
Pipe Organ students must submit an audition tape along with a letter of
recommendation from their teacher no later than May 15, 2010.
Chamber Music Camp
Monday, July 19-Friday, July 30, 2010
Audition: May 15, 2010
For all audition times and to register, visit the education website at www.kimmelcenter.org/education.
EDUCATORS OPEN HOUSE RECEPTION
Each year, educators are invited to meet the Kimmel Center's exceptional education staff to learn about various new and existing class offerings, camps, concerts and other education activities and events. Afterwards, educator's can enjoy light refreshments, a tour of the Kimmel Center and complimentary tickets to a Kimmel Center Presents performance. Tickets will be disbursed at the reception.
To make reservations to the next open house reception, visit www.kimmelcenter.org/education, or call the Education Projects Coordinator at 215-670-2371.
Open House Dates:
Thursday, October 16, 2009
Reception/Presentation:
5:30pm | Merck Arts Education Center
Concert:
Christian McBride and Friends
8pm | Verizon Hall
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Reception/Presentation:
1pm | Merck Arts Education Center
Concert:
André Watts
3pm | Verizon Hall
KIMMEL CENTER "DANCE IN THE SCHOOLS" INITIATIVE
Now in its fifth year, the "Dance in the Schools" initiative created by the Kimmel Center Education Department will continue its partnership with the School District of Philadelphia to promote dance awareness and education at select schools on a weekly basis. Students are given instruction in technique, artistic interpretation and choreography. At the end of the school year, all students gather at the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater for a final concert. Participating schools this year are: Overbrook Education Center, Esperanza Charter Academy High School, M.H. Stanton Elementary School and the Middle Years Alternative School (MYA).
The "Dance in the Schools" Concert, open to the public and free of charge, will be held at the Kimmel Center in the Perelman Theater, Monday, May 17, 2010 at 7:30pm. (Free reserved tickets required)
KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS® WITH JEFFREY SIEGEL
Internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel uses discussion, demonstration and performance to unveil the mysteries behind your favorite composers. This season's Keyboard Conversations® celebrate Chopin's 200th birthday.
Chopin for Lovers | 7:30pm
Monday, November 16, 2009 | Perelman Theater
Chopin's short piano pieces contain more real music and human drama
than any operatic score. His Four Ballads contain some of classical
music's most evocative and recognizable melodies. Come discover why
Chopin is a romantic's Romantic.
Chopin the Storyteller | 7:30pm
Monday, January 18, 2010 | Perelman Theater
Above
all things, Chopin is a storyteller and painter on the grandest musical
scale. Whether expressing the grandest gesture or the most subtle
nuance, his music captures the feelings that dwell in each of us—all
things longed for, discovered, lost and remembered. This will be an
evening of the epic and lyrical Ballades of Chopin, with Novelettes of
Robert Schumann—musical narratives without words.
Chopin and the Future | 7:30pm
Monday, April 19, 2010 | Perelman Theater
"I
love Chopin…he's my dawg," says Alicia Keys, this moment's hottest
pianist, multi-Grammy Award winner and female pop vocalist. Chopin's
music is the cornerstone of all modern harmony. It is impossible to
listen to modern music and not hear the shades of Chopin's colorful
tapestry. Program will include works of Chopin and composers inspired
by him—Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, Fauré and Szymanowski.
Tickets are $30 each or $81 for all 3.
Further information for all programs, including ticket reservations and class registration, is available at www.kimmelcenter.org/education.
The Kimmel Center's Education Department is sponsored by The Sidney Kimmel Foundation, The Barra Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, PNC Foundation, Wachovia Foundation, Citizens Bank Foundation, Comcast Foundation, Lincoln Financial Foundation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Department of Community and Economic Development, Verizon Foundation, Inc., Aetna Foundation, The McClean Contributionship, JPMorgan, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Savitz, Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation, Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, The Presser Foundation, Boscia Family Foundation, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Connelly Foundation, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund, GlaxoSmithKlike, The Kent Foundation, Sunoco Foundation, Dr. Richard M. Klein and Lomax Family Foundation.
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