A LOOK BACK
preparing the Fifth Symphony for their own concert at The Clarice . Through the side-by-side Heyward provided students with greater insights into the piece , and Sibelius as a composer .
“ To be able to see and feel how the BSO musicians play was something truly special ,” said Nicholas Wilbur , a UMD DMA student and side-by-side participant . “ This is the level of performance that we ’ re aspiring to achieve .”
BSO musicians continue to serve as teachers , mentors , and role models for UMD students on an individual level by offering sectionals and master classes on the College Park campus . Students receive guidance on tone , embouchure , bow technique , accuracy , and expression , helping them take their performance to the next level .
Professional orchestra musicians today need to be well-rounded cultural citizens . To provide practical , community-based teaching experience , BSO musicians also collaborate with UMD students and Sound Impact , a women-led organization bringing instrumental and vocal music into primary and elementary schools in Prince George ’ s County . Recently , as part of this program , BSO musicians , Sound Impact , and UMD students led a “ Time Travel Workshop ” at the Latin American Youth Center , where learned simple songs on the ukulele . Many of the students had never played the ukulele before , but by the end of the workshop , they were strumming along with BSO woodwind players .
Several of the talented ukulele players included families that had recently resettled in Maryland from Afghanistan . The Time Travel Workshop offered a welcoming space to take part in a fun musical activity and get to know fellow community members in Prince George ’ s County .
BSO on the GO supports orchestra students
BSO on the GO leverages the unique talents of BSO musicians to support music teachers and students in school orchestra programs , with a goal of strengthening instrumental ( particularly string ) education . Piloted in Howard County Public Schools in 2023 , the program served 310 students across 10 public high schools last year alone .
This semester , BSO on the GO expands to Montgomery County high school classrooms , with BSO string musicians collaborating directly with orchestra students in many of the 25 County high schools . The program , which began in December , kicked off with BSO musicians working virtually with Montgomery County string directors to identify key pedagogical focus areas for classroom engagement . The initiative aims to elevate students ’ overall string performance skills and enhance their ensemble concert and adjudication outcomes .
“ BSO musicians bring not only technical mastery but also a profound sense of artistry and mentorship ,” Phil Barnes , Coordinator of Instrumental Music & Theatre at Montgomery County Public Schools said . “ Their guidance helps cultivate the next generation of musicians , fostering a deep appreciation for music and empowering directors to inspire their students with the same passion and dedication they embody on stage .”
World premiere works from Baltimore students
Beyond inspiring the next generation of musicians , the BSO and 2024 – 25 Composer in Residence James Lee III are working to nurture future symphonic music composers .
This school year , Lee III has mentored a talented group of six young composers , including high school students from OrchKids , and students from the Baltimore School for the Arts and the Peabody Institute . The students are currently developing scores for small chamber music ensembles that BSO musicians will present in a world premiere performance this summer .
“ Dr . Lee offered me a great perspective in writing more for the player than for the instrument . This allowed me to imagine myself playing my music and making that music really engaging to play for everyone in the ensemble ,” said Jaden Chapman , a senior trombonist at Baltimore School for the Arts . “ I want to be a teacher in the future , and working with Dr . Lee helped me to think about being my own teacher first and developing my connection to other musicians through the music I write .”
Above : 2024 – 25 BSO Composer in Residence James Lee III ( center ) with students of the young composers program .
A LOOK BACK
The Baltimore School for the Arts dance department collaborated with the BSO in December to present Tchaikovsky ’ s The Nutcracker to a combined audience of nearly 10,000 students from across greater Baltimore as part of our annual Midweek Education Concert series . That ’ s four sold-out performances !
Young audiences got to enjoy a special version of this timeless performance , with the ballet set in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore . Thanks to all the students and educators who made this year ’ s Nutcracker one to remember !
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