Kimmel Center Announces 2006-07 Schedule of Education Offerings
October 09, 2006
Free Curriculum-Based Classes include "Vocal Jazz Techniques"
The Kimmel Center today announced details of its 2006-2007 education offerings, including Merck Arts Education Center programs, Keyboard Conversations, Outreach Programs, and the PNC early childhood program, "Grow Up Great Initiative." Programs include something for all ages and knowledge levels, including educators, early childhood from birth to five year-olds, students between grades 5 through 12, and adult life-long learners. Celebrating its 5th anniversary, the Kimmel Center Education Department offers another year of exciting education classes, student matinees, master classes, and various community education and outreach programs.
This year's educational offerings focus on engaging students with interactive curriculum-based classes that connect American Culture to music, dance, and theater art components. These fun-filled, hands-on lessons complement humanities programs with lessons in the following: The Jazz Age, Vocal Jazz Techniques- Scatting Styles, American Musical Theater, Electronic Keyboard, The Jazz Heritage of Philadelphia, Musical Pot Luck, Tin Pan Alley, The Harlem Renaissance and TSOP - The Sound of Philadelphia, created by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
All classes will take place in the Kimmel Center's Merck Arts Education Center, and will be taught by Kimmel Center's teaching staff, as well as special guests. Mondays at the Merck continue this year in a series of three Keyboard Conversations®, classical piano concerts with conversation led by internationally acclaimed pianist and music educator Jeffrey Siegel. Composers covered in this unique series include Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, Bernstein, Copland and Schumann.
For additional information and to register for classes, call 215-790-5896 or visit the education section on the Kimmel Center homepage at 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 Foundation "Grow Up Great Initiative," a $100 million education program designed to promote school readiness for children of pre-school ages with special emphasis in literacy and the arts. Funding from PNC Foundation will give support to the Kimmel Center's three-pronged early childhood arts education program, which includes "Bop and Swing" classes at the George W. Nebinger Elementary School and a series of free Saturday morning concerts at the Kimmel Center designed for children under five years-old; PNC Foundation will also provide scholarships to the Temple University Music Early Childhood Music Program classes held at the Kimmel Center each Monday throughout the school year.
The "Bop and Swing" classes will be offered free of charge to Head Start classes at the George W. Nebinger Elementary School at 6th and Carpenter Streets.
The Saturday morning concert series performance schedule (all performances are FREE):
Koresh Dance: Mommy & Me Class
Saturday, October 14, 2006 | 11am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage
Enjoy some quality time with your little one! Geared toward 2 to 3 year-olds, this class includes singing, stretching, music, props, circle games and tons of fun.
Enchantment Theater
Saturday, December 2, 2006 | 11am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage
Company performs selections from the inspiring classic tale Beauty and the Beast, using a special blend of magic, mask, pantomime, puppetry and original music.
Renaissance Artist Puppet Show
Saturday, February 3, 2007 | 11am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage
Custom designed puppets for theater entertain parents and children.
Rebecca Frezza
Saturday, March 3, 2007 | 11am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage
See why kids in Canada and the United States are singing along to Rebecca Frezza's newly released CD, which has won the 2006 iParenting Media Award and 2006 NAPPA Gold Award. Ideal for ages 1-4.
Asian Dance with the Greater Philadelphia Asian Culture Center
Saturday, April 28, 2007 | 11am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage
Learn some interesting, simple dance movements that capture classical Chinese dances and traditions. Performers will display dance moves that bring inner peace, better health with higher moral standard to millions around the world- including many little kids!
*********
KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS® WITH JEFFREY SIEGEL Internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel uses discussion, demonstration and performance to unveil the mysteries behind your favorite composers.
Monday, November 6, 2006 | 7:30pm | Perelman Theater
From Russia with Love
Church bells and folk tunes. Soaring melodies and liturgical chants. You'll hear them all in an evening of rapturous, lyrical gems by two of the most popular composers of all time, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.
Monday, February 5, 2007 | 7:30pm | Perelman Theater
An American Salute!
There’s more to this music than red, white and blues! Rediscover the music of Barber and Copland, plus the Philadelphia premiere of Bernstein's unpublished Meditation on a Wedding. The evening also includes Rhapsody in Blue in Gershwin's own rarely heard piano arrangement.
Monday, April 23, 2007 | 7:30pm | Perelman Theater
The Romantic World of Robert Schumann
Does Schumann’s music reflect the mental instability that finally overwhelmed him? Or were the piano works transformed by his great love for Clara Schumann? Look for answers in the rich music of this great Romantic-era artist, performed on the 150th anniversary of his death.
Regular ticket price for each: $30
*********
Student Matinees
Each year, the Kimmel Center also offers selected student matinee performances performed by artists from the Kimmel Center Presents Concert Series. These concerts are an enjoyable way for students and teachers to experience and learn about live performances and the artists. Tickets for all concerts are $10 each
PHILADANCO
November 16 & 17, 2006 and May 10 & 11, 2007 | all at 11am | Perelman Theater
Now in its 37th season, PHILADANCO returns with exciting premiers of newly choreographed dances. With each performance, students have the opportunity to participate in a warm-up session and a question and answer period with the dancers.
Rennie Harris Puremovement
Friday, February 2, 2007 | 11am | Perelman Theater
Philadelphia-born, Rennie Harris and his company, Puremovement, blend African American dance traditions of past and present with acrobatic hip-hop dance to create stunning, choreographed pieces.
Wayne Marshall
Monday, March 12, 2007 | 11am | Verizon Hall
Come and hear the grand pipe organ as you’ve never heard it before. Jazz, musical theater, romantic operatic favorites and captivating amazing improvisations of well-known songs are brilliantly brought to life by British-born and internationally acclaimed organ virtuoso Wayne Marshall in an imaginative performance guaranteed to "pull out all the stops."
Rodney Mack's Philadelphia Big Brass, with Alan Morrison
Tuesday, May 22, 2007 | 11am | Verizon Hall
Brilliant brass choirs and the powerful pipe organ join together for a concert full of marches, swinging jazz and classical favorites led by two Philadelphia virtuosos—trumpeter Rodney Mack and organist Alan Morrison.
In a rare opportunity for students to learn from masterful performing artists, the Kimmel Center offers Master Classes taught by artists from the 2006-2007 Kimmel Center Presents concert series.
*********
Master Classes
Classical
Jennifer Koh, Violin
Friday, October 20, 2006 | 4pm | Rendell Room
Dance
Rennie Harris Puremovement, Hip Hop and Social Dances
Friday, February 2, 2007 | 4pm | Innovation Studio
Jazz
Wycliffe Gordon, Trombone
Saturday, March 10, 2007 | 11am | Rendell Room
********
Free Curriculum-Based Classes
Grades 5-8 Curriculum-Based Classes will be held from Tuesday, October 10, 2006 to Friday, May 11, 2007 (45 minutes, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday 10am and 12pm), and include the following:
Lesson#1 The Jazz Age
(Music, Dance or Theater Arts Classes - Choose ONE 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 Classes - Choose ONE or all THREE)
By actively participating in the music, dance or theater arts classes, students will enjoy and have a deeper understanding of this unique art form.
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
- A Lil'this, A Lil'That
Each recipe will include hands-on experience with some of the various ingredients that make each one of thee dishes tasty to the musical palette.
Grades 9-12 Curriculum-Based Classes will be provided on Wednesdays at 10am and 12pm. 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
Students find themselves along "The Great White Way" as they engage in a fast-paced study of American Musical Theater by creating and performing an original scene complete with music, singing, dancing, and acting. All key components of a musical are explored as well as a brief history on the evolution of this unique American art form. All performances are videotaped for students and teachers to enjoy.
Lesson #2 The Jazz Age: Tin Pan Alley
Flappers, jazz and razzmatazz 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. Students will learn about "The Golden Age" of songwriting and its impact on society, fashion, industry and culture as they sing and dance to the tunes of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Eubie Blake and others. As a culminating group activity, students will write and publish original lyrics to a well-known song from the period.
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. Come travel to a place where African-American artistic expression flourished, leaving its impact on society and the world. Sing and dance the Lindy Hop and experience one of America's most celebrated artistic treasures.
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. Students will learn the history and music of legends such as John Coltrane, Benny Golson and others, as well a listen and sing to live jazz music presented by a guest Philadelphia jazz musician.
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. Music by the O'Jays, Stylistics, Spinners and TSOP’s original style of Rhythm and Blues will be explored. A guided tour of the Philadelphia International Records Studio will be given after the class.
(Due to the limited availability of the studio, tours cannot be rescheduled for any cancelled class.)
*********
Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble
This year, the KCYJE will be available to those students who are currently in grades 5 to 9. Auditions are provided for saxophone, brass, percussion, piano, bass-upright and electric musical players. Ninth graders will be accepted provided that there are no conflicts with activities such as high school marching band, school shows, district festivals etc. Students are selected by their ability to play in an ensemble or group setting, follow the conductor's directions, and improvise music chosen by the conductor. For more information, check the education website at www.kimmelcenter.org or call the Education Projects Coordinator at 215-670-2371.
*********
Teen Summer Arts Camp
Now in its fifth year, 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 the Perelman Theater for family, friends and the community.
Students are accepted by audition only, and are required to do the following: 1.) submit an application form complete with student essay and non-refundable $25.00 application fee; 2.) participate in an audition. For all audition times, check the education website at www.kimmelcenter.org The 2007 Camp Schedules include:
Choral/Vocal Camp
Tuesday, June 19-Friday, June 29, 2007
Audition: Saturday, May 5, 2007
Jazz Camp
Monday, July 2-Friday, July 13, 2007
Audition: Saturday, May 12, 2007
Pipe Organ Camp
Monday, July 9-Friday, July 20, 2007
Pipe Organ students must submit an audition tape along with a letter of recommendation from their teacher no later than May 19, 2007.
Chamber Music Camp
Monday, July 16-Friday, July 27, 2007
Audition: May 19, 2007
For all audition times, check the education website at www.kimmelcenter.org.
*********
Educators Open House Reception Come meet our exceptional Education staff to learn about our various new and existing class offerings, camps, concerts and other education activities and events. Afterwards, join us for light refreshments, a tour of the Kimmel Center and complimentary tickets to a relaxing concert in Verizon Hall. To make reservations, visit www.kimmelcenter.org/education, or call the Education Projects Coordinator at 215-670-2371. Concert tickets will be disbursed at the reception. Space is limited so reserve today!
Saturday, October 14, 2006 | Reception | Presentation at 1pm
Cherry Rhodes, Organist at 3pm
First American Organist to win a major international competition
Friday, November 17, 2006 | Reception | Presentation at 5:30pm
McCoy Tyner and Regina Carter, at 8pm
Legendary Philadelphia Jazz pianist performs with all-star band
**********
The Kimmel Center "Dance in the Schools Initiative" Now in its third 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 Middle Years Alternative School, Parkway (West) High School, and an additional program at the Wakisha Charter School. Students are given instruction in technique, artistic interpretation and choreography.
The "Dance In Our Schools" Concert, open to the public and free of charge, will be held at the Kimmel Center in the Perelman Theater, Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 7:30pm.
*********
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 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 Manager at 215-670-2371 or visit online at maec@kimmelcenter.org.
*********
The Kimmel Center's Merck Arts Education Center is sponsored by The Sidney Kimmel Foundation, Barra Foundation, Inc., PNC Foundation, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Community Reinvestment Ministry, Connelly Foundation, Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation, Christina R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, McLean Contributionship.
> index of news releases
> For more information, and to request high resolution images for press use, please
send us a message online.