Kids At The Symphony
12/18/2009
"Kids At The Symphony" A New Educational Program from the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra
Throughout its 20 year history, the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO) has been committed to performing educational concerts for young people. Every year, with the help of the Northwest Florida Symphony Guild, NFSO musicians visit many 4th grade classrooms throughout the area and every 5th grade class in Okaloosa and Walton counties is offered an opportunity to experience the magical sounds of a live symphony orchestra in a world-class performance hall during the annual NFSO 5th Graders concert held every February at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center.
For some students, this is the only experience they will ever have to hear live symphonic music in its natural environment. Therefore, the NFSO has introduced a new program designed to bring students and parents to symphony concerts called KATS, or Kids at the Symphony. KATS mission is to reach students enrolled in every one of Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa County's eighty-six schools with the opportunity to attend an NFSO concert free of charge. Funding for this initiative is made possible through the generous support of local residents and businesses. To date, 22 individuals and businesses have stepped forward to join the NFSO in reaching its goal.
The NFSOs December 11 "Holiday Pops" concert was attended by 40 students and adults who received complimentary tickets through the KATS program. Students were selected by local civic groups, school principals, guidance counselors and music teachers. In addition to attending the concert, students and chaperones were given a backstage tour of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center and the opportunity to go on stage during intermission to meet NFSO Music Conductor & Director Jeffrey Rink and musicians in the symphony.
The students, from Bluewater Elementary, Kenwood Elementary, Edge Elementary, Plew Elementary, Valparaiso Elementary, Wright Elementary, Davidson Middle School, Ruckel Middle School, Rocky Bayou Christian School, St. Paul's Lutheran School, and Niceville High School, thoroughly enjoyed their concert experience. Comments like "two thumbs incredibly way up & can't wait for the next performance" and "the concert was excellent" were received from numerous students and parents.
Maestro Rink believes the KATS program is a great way to expose students of all ages to the world of orchestral music. "Without programs like KATS, the next generation would not get to experience and develop an appreciation for classical music." Rink also noted that, "The NFSO is committed to expanding educational programs by creating more musical experiences for students" and invites other in the community to participate by sponsoring a student in the KATS program. Sponsorship of one student is only $35.
To sponsor a student or to find out more about the KATS program and other NFSO educational initiatives, contact Carla Reinlie at (850) 729-6468 or via email at reinliec@nwfsc.edu.
PHOTOS: Students from area elementary, middle, and high schools attend the NFSO December 11 concert and meet with musicians.
