2022-23 Residency
Beginning in Fall 2022, the Erie Philharmonic will be working with pre-k students from McKinley Elementary as a continuation of our nationally-recognized Long Term Residency program.
This program, led by teaching artists Melany Myers and Sarah Oliver, has many goals, but the main mission is to create positive musical experiences that promote early music appreciation and early literacy skills in young students, preparing them for success in school and beyond. Strengthening this emphasis on continued arts infusion, the Philharmonic aims to bring music into pre-kindergarten classes in order to aid language and literacy development as well as organizing and applying knowledge through creative thinking.
The project is funded through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. “The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is pleased to again approve Erie Philharmonic’s long term residency grant,” says the PCA. “This collaboration will bring teaching artists and the creative process into unique partnerships with educators, schools and non-profit community organizations benefiting our schools and student learning.”
Teaching Artist Melany Myers has over 30 years teaching and music education experience, so this is a natural step forward to reach even more students with an expansive curriculum. This 60-day residency will reach over 60 students, again including visiting guest artists from the Philharmonic as well as a trip to see the orchestra perform live in the historic Warner Theatre. The program also includes professional development on arts infusion for all teachers at the center.
Executive Director Steve Weiser is excited to look to the future and ensure the Philharmonic is truly living their mission. “I’m honored that the PA Council on the Arts has again chosen to support our residency, this year presented for students at Lincoln Elementary. Given the enormous success of last year's residency at Luther Memorial Academy, we are anxious to see how large of an impact we can have on the lives of even more children this year,” Weiser said. “I take this program as a vote of confidence from the state – we know we are doing great things, but we are also one of the first orchestras to receive this type of funding directly from the state.”
Follow along with pictures below!
2021-22 Archive
Musicians from the Erie Phil!
Everyone from Luther Memorial Academy was able to enjoy a performance from the Erie Phil Octet!
Discovering the world
From discovering creatures under the sea to hearing and playing calypso music, our students never know where their lesson will take them!
TRAIN DAY
Learning about the orchestra AND trains…does it get any better!?
Fun, fun, fun
Yep…along with learning about the violin and the trumpet, our little friends also learn about the GUITAR!!
Hands-on Learning
In addition to special guests from the Philharmonic, students have access to hands-on learning with instruments of all shapes and sizes!
Brand-based Movement
Students having an awesome time moving and learning with teaching assistant, and gym teacher extraordinaire, Sarah Oliver. Love the combination of movement and music!
Violin/Cello/Bass
Three special guests stopped by the program for a mini-concert and demonstration: Ken Johnston, Concertmaster; Kieran Hanlon, Principal Bass; Will Teegarden, Associate Principal Cello. Thanks, guys!
Week #3
The fun continues with Violin Day and more brain-based movement!
Tuba Day
A good time was had by all when James Long, our guest tuba soloist, came to visit. So nice to be back to safe, in-person learning!
Week #1
We’re back - our 60-day long-term residency is back, in-person, and ready to go at Luther Memorial Academy!
Spring 2021 Archive
Week #9
Our little pre-k friends were treated to the first live performance for an audience in more than one year - so much fun, and so nice to be back!
Week #8
The accordion, banjo and Humphrey the Camel!! Our Erie Philharmonic performance was rained out this week, so be on the lookout for this performance in the coming weeks!
Weeks #6 & #7
The excitement continues with maracas, counting, English language skills and reading.
Week #5
Special guests this week included Laura Koepke, Principal Bassoon, a dance party, Mr. Guiro and some awesome cows!
Week #4
Special guests this week included Danna Sundet, Principal Oboe, and Amitai Vardi, Principal Clarinet.
Week #3
Special guests this week included Sean Gabriel, Second Flute, and Will Teegarden, Assistant Principal Cello.
Week #2
Special guests this week included Whitney Clair, Acting Principal Trombone, Sandro Leal-Santiesteban, Associate Principal First Violin, Ken Heinlein, Principal Tuba, and Emily Shelley, French Horn.
Week #1
All systems go!
Ready to go
Virtual set up and take-home instruments for each student!
2019-20 Archives
African Percussion Day
Special Guest Tessa Lark
Percussion Petting Zoo Day
Percussion Day
Brain-based Movement and Learning
Bassoon Day
Tuba Day
First Week
2018-19 Archives
Special Guest Simone Porter
Final Day
Guitar Day
Accordion Day
Percussion Petting Zoo Day
Percussion Day
Music Director Day, with special guest Sarah Lee, Bassoon
Singing Day
String Bass Day
Violin Day
Brain Based Learning
Tuba Day
First Week
Sponsors
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) is a state agency in the Office of the Governor. Created in 1966, the PCA is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. The Council’s mission is to foster the excellence, diversity, and vitality of the arts in Pennsylvania, and to broaden the availability and appreciation of those arts throughout the commonwealth. Support for education is a PCA priority. The PCA’s Arts in Education Division assists hundreds of Pennsylvania schools to support curriculum, enrich the important work of arts educators, and provide opportunities for students to discover and develop their creative skills and abilities through teaching artist residencies. The Division and its partners also place artists in residencies in community-based settings. Learn more at www.arts.pa.gov and www.facebook.com/Pennsylvaniacouncilonthearts.