Return of Music Box and Midweek Concerts
By Allison Burr-Livingston
Throughout the pandemic , the Baltimore Symphony shared powerful music education experiences with 37,000 students of all ages last year , leaning on the power of technology to reach students in classrooms across the state . After a responsible but lengthy hiatus , we are thrilled to welcome children and school groups back to our concert halls !
Music Box Concerts are returning to three venues : the Meyerhoff in Baltimore , the AMP in Bethesda , and the Gordon Center in Owings Mills . Designed specifically for our youngest listeners , babies and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years , each highly engaging , 30-minute program features a small ensemble of musicians with host , narrator , and nationally known actress Maria Broom .
“ The experience of hearing short symphonic pieces , combined with favorite children songs , is both calming and stimulating for our tiny music listeners ,” says Maria Broom . “ Children get the chance to get up close and personal with the music , and they learn the names and sounds of instruments like the flute , oboe , violin , and bassoon !”
Our longest running and widest reaching initiative , Midweek Education Concerts have also returned to the Meyerhoff . Four different programs specifically curated for students in Pre-K through Middle School feature STEAMintegrated listening guides crafted by Maryland Music Educators and touch on themes relevant to students ' everyday lives . Equally exciting , and while we are eager to welcome students and field trips to the hall ( tickets are subsidized to just $ 7 , and are completely free for Title-I schools ), we will continue to make digital access to Midweek programs a free option for all Maryland students .
Donors and philanthropic partners make it possible for the BSO to make these programs widely accessible . On behalf of our young audiences , thank you !
CONCERT DATES
MUSIC BOX :
SATURDAY , JAN 21 AT 10 AM & 11:30 AM AMP by Strathmore
SATURDAY , JAN 28 AT 10 AM & 11:30 AM Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
MIDWEEK :
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
A Spirit for the Holidays
WEDNESDAY , NOV 30 AT 10 AM & 11:30 AM THURSDAY , DEC 1 AT 10 AM & 11:30 AM
The Jazz Age – Harlem Renaissance
WEDNESDAY , FEB 8 AT 10 AM & 11:30 AM THURSDAY , FEB 9 AT 10 AM & 11:30 AM
A New Look for the Percussion Section
( Left ) Percussionists Brian Prechtl and John Locke enjoy the melodies of the new Adams Alpha Series 5 Octave Marimba . ( Right ) Timpanist James Wyman in the replaces head of Timpani on stage at the Meyerhoff
Unlike other sections within the Orchestra , the BSO owns and is financially responsible for its percussion instruments . Thanks to the generosity of friends , the BSO received several exciting percussion upgrades , with our musicians rolling up their sleeves to assemble , stretch and tuck ( read on ) our new equipment .
In June , a new Adams marimba arrived , purchased for the BSO by the Baltimore Symphony Associates ( BSA ). Percussionists Brian Prechtl and John Locke assembled the beautiful instrument featuring Honduras rosewood , and eager Academy participants and members from the BSA were able to join in the fun .
In September , Principal Timpanist James Wyman received the highly anticipated delivery of calfskin heads and steel flesh hoops to upgrade our eight timpani . Working diligently , and making use of his kitchen counter and daughter ' s kiddie pool , James was able to stretch , tuck and install the calfskin heads just in time for their thunderous debut in the first Classical subscription concert of the season .
NOV-DEC 2022 / OVERTURE 9