Kimmel Center Educational Offerings 2008-09 Schedule
November 17, 2008
Kimmel Center Education Department announces educational offerings scheduled for the 2008-09 season, including the PNC early childhood "Grow Up Great" initiative, Keyboard Conversations® concerts, student matinees, free curriculum-based classes, teen summer arts camps and various community education and outreach programs. Educational opportunities are available for all ages and experience levels, including educators, early childhood from birth to five year-olds, students in grades 5-12 and adult life-long learners.
New this year, the Aetna-Kimmel Bus Program provides students from under-resourced areas the opportunity to experience the rich benefits of exposure to the arts. 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.
Part of the educational activities at the Kimmel Center, free interactive curriculum-based classes engage students with a focus on American culture through music, dance and theater arts. These fun-filled, hands-on lessons range in topic from the Jazz Age, American Musical Theater, the Jazz Heritage of Philadelphia, Tin Pan Alley and the Harlem Renaissance to TSOP - The Sound of Philadelphia, created by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. All classes take place in the Kimmel Center's Merck Arts Education Center, and are taught by the Kimmel Center's teaching staff, as well as special guests.
Keyboard Conversations® continue this year with three classical piano concerts with conversation led by internationally acclaimed pianist and music educator Jeffrey Siegel. Composers covered in this unique series include Beethoven, Grieg, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Rachmaninoff and more. The PNC "Grow Up Great" initiative provides a series of free concerts at the Kimmel Center designed for children under five years old, which occur on the first Saturday of every month at 11am from October through May.
Please see below for a full calendar of educational offerings at the Kimmel Center during the 2008-09 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 American culture; 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.
Daria | 11am
Saturday, October 4, 2008 | Innovation Studio
Multi-cultural performer and internationally recognized folksinger Daria returns to the Kimmel Center just in time to celebrate her latest release, Grandchildren’s Delight.
Native Nations Dance Theater | 11am
Saturday, November 1, 2008 | Commonwealth Plaza
Philadelphia's only American Indian Dance Company is comprised of native people from many different nations and tribes. A mini powwow complete with drumming, singing and dancing celebrates National American Indian Heritage Month.
Leana Song | 11am
Saturday, December 6, 2008 | Commonwealth Plaza
Born in blossoming Northern Liberties, this diverse ensemble takes direction from Shawn Hennessey, for whom the term "American-African" was invented. You may have seen these do-gooders on M.I.N.D TV, formerly WYBE, teaching African rhythms to scores of Philly youth in public and private schools. These musicians feel it is their social responsibility to increase Philadelphia’s awareness of the world’s rhythm, and now with their debut record, Orisha Love Song’s Vol.1, they plan on taking Philadelphia’s rhythm to the world.
Miss Amy: Kid’s Fitness Rock & Roll | 11am
Saturday, January 3, 2009 | Commonwealth Plaza
Miss Amy has captivated audiences with her original songs that include movements from actual health & fitness disciplines (dubbed "Fitness Rock & Roll"). Participants at Miss Amy’s concerts get a workout without even knowing it!
Kala Jojo: A Journey Through Words and Worlds | 11am
Saturday, February 7, 2009 | Commonwealth Plaza
With his towering height, deep voice, engaging personality and gentle humor, this nationally acclaimed vocalist, musician and African Jeli (storyteller) enthralls audiences of all ages. Also known as "The Tall Storyteller," Kala JoJo offers living lessons to children and adults alike through traditional folktales and poetry embellished with a myriad of African rhythms—from drums and harp to kalimba and bylophone.
Barry Louis Polisar | 11am
Saturday, March 7, 2009 | Commonwealth Plaza
Barry Louis Polisar is a true pioneer in the world of books and music for children, influencing an entire generation of singers and performers for kids. He is a four-time Parents’ Choice Award-winner, and began writing and recording songs for children in 1975. Barry is also heard singing his song "All I Want is You" in the opening credits of the movie Juno.
Tap for Tots | 11am
Saturday, April 4, 2009 | Rendell Room
Join Jaye Allison of Philly TAP Challenge "ON FIRE!" as she shares the fun and rhythmic message of the heartbeat and its many expressions. Short history lesson, Q&A and plenty of audience participation included.
Philadanco presents D/3 | 11am
Saturday, May 2, 2009 | Commonwealth Plaza
Bold, cutting-edge dance interpretations take center stage in Commonwealth Plaza with D/3, the apprentice company to Philadanco, Philadelphia’s premiere modern contemporary dance company and resident company of the Kimmel Center.
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 http://www.temple.edu/boyer/musicprep/programs/inst_childhood.htm.
KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS® WITH JEFFREY SIEGEL
Internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel uses discussion, demonstration and performance to unveil the mysteries behind your favorite composers.
Basking in Beethoven | 7:30pm
Monday, October 20, 2008 | Perelman Theater
Ahhh…the pleasure one gets from listening to the vibrant virtuoso of Beethoven. Learn more about what was behind the man that drove him to create such magnificent masterpieces. An all-Beethoven program including Variations in C Minor, The Bagatelles (short, lighthearted pieces) and the Farewell Sonata, Op. 81a.
Longevity of the Short Piece | 7:30pm
Monday, February 2, 2009 | Perelman Theater
Miniature masterpieces! This one-of-a-kind program will emphasize the spectacular repertoire of the short piece including Grieg’s Lyric Pieces, Mendelssohn’s incomparable Songs without Words and Brahms’ unparalleled Rhapsodies.
Musical Pictures | 7:30pm
Monday, April 13, 2009 | Perelman Theater
This unique program will bring to life the splendor of Rachmaninoff’s Etudes Tableaux, the delicacy of Debussy’s Preludes and Mussorgsky’s sublime Pictures at an Exhibition.
Tickets are $30 each or $81 for all 3.
STUDENT MATINEES
Each year, the Kimmel Center offers selected student matinee performances with 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 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, October 16 & Friday, October 17, 2008 | Perelman Theater
A contemporary dance tradition that’s enjoyed worldwide acclaim for more than three decades, Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco) pulls out all the stops to bring audiences their favorite works. Recommended for grades 5-12.
Imani Winds | 11am
Friday, October 24, 2008 | Perelman Theater
Grammy® nominated Imani Winds celebrates its 10th anniversary by continuing to reach across the spectrum of chamber music and break all the rules! The program includes a world premiere by jazz pianist and composer Jason Moran, as well as music by Jeff Scott, Valerie Coleman, Paquito d’Rivera and Julio Medaglia. Recommended for grades 5-12.
Randy Brecker | 11am
Friday, February 6, 2009 | Perelman Theater
Philadelphia’s own Randy Brecker, one half of the legendary Brecker Brothers, boldly goes where no others dared with his trumpet. Like Miles Davis with Bitches Brew, Brecker produces work that paves the way to a new destination—now known as jazz-fusion. Brecker’s organic meld of intellect and soul can be heard on all of his recordings, which span more than three decades. Recommended for grades 5-12.
Rennie Harris Puremovement | 11am
Friday, February 20, 2009 | Perelman Theater
Philadelphia’s own internationally acclaimed dance company, Rennie Harris Puremovement returns with a world premiere hip-hop sci-fi thriller that will take audiences on a highly charged futuristic journey where cultural conflicts, natural disasters and environmental changes threaten humankind and the last [hip-hop] survivors. Recommended for grades 5-12.
Philadanco | 11am
Thursday, April 30, 2009 | Perelman Theater
The amazing Philandanco returns with a fresh program, featuring four new world premieres by choreographers Camille Brown, Tony Powell, Zane Booker and Hope Boykin. Recommended for grades 5-12.
Philadanco | 11am
Friday, May 1, 2009 | Perelman Theater
Philadanco brings a dance program especially for little movers and shakers. Pre-school and primary grade students and teachers will be treated to a performance of dance pieces especially chosen for younger students. Recommended for pre-kindergarten to grade 4.
Special Matinee Performance | Noon
Sixth Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute
Thursday, January 15, 2009 | Perelman Theater
By invitation only.
FREE CURRICULUM-BASED CLASSES
Grades 5-8 Curriculum-Based Classes
Classes are offered from Tuesday, October 14, 2008 to Friday, May 15, 2009 (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, the Jazz Age and Jazz Singing (scatting) to the Sound of Philadelphia.
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.
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.
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.
For more information, visit www.kimmelcenter.org/education or call the Education Projects Coordinator at 215-670-2371.
Performances include:
Winter Concert | Noon
December 13, 2008 | Commonwealth Plaza
This concert is free and open to the public.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration | Noon
January 15, 2009 | Perelman Theater
This concert is available by invitation only.
Music In Our Schools Month Concert | Noon
March 21, 2009 | Commonwealth Plaza
This concert is free and open to the public.
Jazz Appreciation Month Concert | Noon
April 25, 2009 | Commonwealth Plaza
This concert is free and open to the public.
Summer Solstice Celebration | TBA
June 20, 2009 | 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 2009 Teen Summer Arts Camp Schedules include:
Choral/Vocal Camp
Monday, June 22-Thursday, July 2, 2009
Audition: Saturday, May 2, 2009
Jazz Camp
Monday, July 6-Friday, July 17, 2009
Audition: Saturday, May 9, 2009
Pipe Organ Camp
Monday, July 13-Friday, July 24, 2009
Pipe Organ students must submit an audition tape along with a letter of recommendation from their teacher no later than May 16, 2009.
Chamber Music Camp
Monday, July 20-Friday, July 31, 2009
Audition: May 16, 2009
For all audition times and to register, check 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. To make reservations to the next open house reception, visit www.kimmelcenter.org/education, or calling the Education Projects Coordinator at 215-670-2371.
KIMMEL CENTER "DANCE IN THE SCHOOLS" INITIATIVE
Now in its fourth 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: Middle Years Alternative, HM Stanton School, Wakisha Charter School, West Philadelphia High School, Nueva Esperanza and Overbrook Education Center, a school for the visually impaired.
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, Friday, May 8, 2009 at 7:30pm. (Free reserved tickets required)
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.
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, 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, Dr. Richard M. Klein and Lomax Family Foundation.
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