Youth Concerts

More than 17,000 children attend a free school-day Philharmonic concert designed just for youngsters at the Civic Center Music Hall. Presented in the Fall and the Spring, the Philharmonic Youth Concerts are performed eight times each year to accommodate the growing demand for participation by Oklahoma schools. From the 3rd to the 5th grade, and also including beginning orchestra and band students, young music lovers are welcome to attend. Please contact the Philharmonic education coordinator for more information. Email Katie Kucharski at katie@okcphilharmonic.org.

The 2009-2010 Season Youth Concerts will be:  Oct. 13 and 14, March 23 and 24 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:40 a.m.

OUR MARCH 2010 CONCERTS ARE CURRENTLY FULL.

Link to Teacher Evaluation 2009-2010

We've Got Rhythm

Currently, 65 schools participate in this award-winning program which serves as an introduction to the orchestra and works in conjunction with the school music program to follow Oklahoma's PASS (Priority Academic Student Skills) skills. Third graders from all around the metro enjoy three classroom visits and a trip to the Civic Center for a performance by the Philharmonic.

Component #1 -- A trained docent from the Orchestra League presents an overview of the instruments of the orchestra and the children get a close-up look at several different instruments.

Component #2 -- A Philharmonic ensemble performs a mini concert for the children. They talk about their instruments and discuss the elements of music, including melody, harmony and rhythm.

Component #3 -- A Philharmonic musician presents an in-depth look at one particular instrument. The musician shows, tells and plays to demonstrate all the aspects of their instrument. A trained docent from the Orchestra League introduces a few of the pieces the students will be hearing at the Youth Concert, as well as information about the composers.

Component #4 -- Performance -- The participating 3rd graders join hundreds of other children for the Philharmonic's annual YOUTH CONCERTS at the Civic Center, which is a culmination of everything the students have learned from the past three components.

In-class materials -- Each participating teacher receives a teaching kit that includes classroom activities and a music CD that prepares the children for their visit to the Civic Center for the performance. Many teachers play the CD, which includes the music that will be performed at their concert, over and over during study and quiet work periods to familiarize the students with the music. Concert etiquette and other questions are covered in the materials provided.

For teachers in or around the metro-area, contact Katie Kucharski, Education Coordinator, katie@okcphilharmonic.org, to find out if your school can participate.

Open Rehearsals

The following rehearsals for the 2009-2010 Classics Series are open with reservation. Please note the restrictions.

Steven Isserlis, cello; Friday, September 18, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

Corey Cerovsek, violin; Friday, October 9, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

Stephen Hough, piano; Friday, November 13, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

CANCELED:  Marc-Andre Hamelin, piano; Friday, January 29, 2010

CANCELED:  Orchestra Feature; Friday, February 26, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

Orion Weiss, piano; Friday, March 19, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

Canterbury Choral Society; Friday, April 16, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

Stefan Jackiw, violin; Friday, May 21, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

• No children under the age of 10 years.
• Open to students with I.D.
• Reservations are required. There will be no admittance without advance registration.
• Reservations must be made by noon the Friday of rehearsal.
• Admission is restricted to the first 50 people to register. Organized school groups may qualify for an exception.
• Registered attendees must enter through the South backstage doors; proceed down the ramp and meet with Katie Kucharski, Education Coordinator.
• Check-in will begin 30 minutes before rehearsal begins.
• No admittance after rehearsal begins -- no exceptions.
• Attendees will remain seated in the designated area of the hall until break and must leave the theatre using the same door through which they entered.
• Attendees are not allowed in the backstage area of the stage house.

Contact
Katie Kucharski
Education Coordinator
katie@okcphilharmonic.org

Sound Images

Music and Art have inspired generations of creative people. This program guides children grades 3, 4 and 5 to the path of creative espression through art as inspired by orchestral music. Teachers receive materials including a CD and program information. The artwork created by the youngsters is selected for submission to the Philharmonic and a set of competition winners is chosen from all the entries. Winners have their works displayed at the Civic Center.

It is not too late to sign up! Artwork is due by January 15, 2010.