Erie Philharmonic presents week of outreach in the community
Erie, PA; Beginning on Monday, November 2, the Erie Philharmonic launched an unprecedented week of educational outreach events coinciding with our November 7 symphonic concert, the Romance of Schumann. This is the first such series of events in the 102 year history of the Philharmonic; it included two piano donations, an instrumental petting zoo, two youth concerts, master classes, and more.
“As the landmark performance organization in Erie, we owe it to our audience members, sponsors, and donors to take the initiative when it comes to outreach in the community,” said new Executive Director, Steve Weiser. “We have the resources and capacity to affect change of the highest level and across the broadest spectrum, and with our new team firmly in place, we are anxious to start this new era of community engagement.”
With renowned piano soloist Andrew von Oeyen scheduled to perform at Saturday evening's concert, this week of outreach has a distinct piano-feel to it. We donated baby grand pianos to both the Downtown YMCA as well as the Benjamin Wiley Community Charter School. Additional events are planned at Asbury Elementary, the LECOM Senior Center, Springhill Retirement Community, the Experience Children's Museum, St. Martin’s Early Learning Center, St. Benedict’s Early Learning Center, and Early Connections.
The centerpiece of our educational week was the Philharmonic’s annual Youth Concerts, presented to over 4,200 children from across the region. Students traveled to the Warner Theatre from as far away as Ripley, NY for these concerts, entitled "Musicalympics." This year's concerts focus on sports and music, showcasing the multitude of connections that exist between seemingly disparate worlds. Additionally, there were special guest appearances by local sports mascots.
Please refer to the below schedule for more details about each outreach activity.
Schedule
Monday, November 2, 2015
Piano Donation to YMCA Downtown (31 West 10th Street)
9:15am
The Erie Philharmonic donated a baby grand piano to the Downtown Y to be included in their Multi-Purpose room, an integral part of their Teen Center program on their newly-renovated 5th floor.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Grow Up Great Classes
9:30-10:00am: St. Martin’s Early Learning Center (1301 French Street)
10:30-11:00am: St. Benedict’s Early Learning Center (345 E. 9th Street)
11:15-11:45am: Early Connections (420 W. 6th Street)
Steve Weiser, new Executive Director, and former musician of the Orchestra, taught at 3 local pre-schools as part of PNC’s Grow Up Great program. He, along with Principal Percussionist Brad Amidon, demonstrated the percussion family of the orchestra and prepared students for the 2015-2016 Youth Concerts.
LECOM Outreach (LECOM Senior Living Center, Millcreek Manor, 5535 Peach Street)
10:30-11:30am
Conductor and Music Director Daniel Meyer presented insider information about the Erie Philharmonic and bring the Philharmonic to patrons that might not otherwise be able to attend one of the concerts. This was our first presentation to the LECOM Senior Living Center.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Youth Concerts at Warner Theatre (811 State Street)
10:00-10:45am
11:30am-12:15pm
Over 4,200 students from the Erie region attended the Youth Concerts provided by the Philharmonic. This year, the 14 elementary and middle schools in the city of Erie and Robert Benjamin Wiley Community Charter School were able to attend the concert at zero cost with support from local companies and the Philharmonic Board covering admission and busing costs. The Jr. Philharmonic also performed side-by-side with the Orchestra.
Springhill Outreach(2323 Edinboro Road)
3:00-4:00pm
Conductor and Music Director Daniel Meyer returned to Springhill to present insider information about the upcoming Erie Philharmonic concert, including video and music clips.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Piano Donation to Benjamin Wiley Community Charter School (1446 E. Lake Road)
1:30pm
The Erie Philharmonic donated a piano to the Benjamin Wiley Community Charter School for their school library. Currently, 100% of their student population is classified as low income, and 30% of the population is diagnosed as exceptional and in need of special education services. We are thrilled that the students of Benjamin Wiley will have a baby grand piano to use in their school.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Piano Soloist, Andrew von Oeyen, visited Asbury Elementary 5th Graders (5875 Sterrettania Road, Fairview)
9:45-10:30am
Andrew von Oeyen, piano soloist for our upcoming November 7 concert, headed to Asbury Elementary of Millcreek Township School District to present and perform for their 5th grade classes.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Instrumental Petting Zoo at ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum (420 French Street)
11:00am-1:00pm
Musicians from the Erie Philharmonic participated in “Erie Arts & Culture” at the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum. All children in attendance had the opportunity to listen and learn about the violin, cello, and French horn, as well as the opportunity to play some of the instruments.
