Geneva Concerts Education and Outreach

The Outreach Program

During the 1991-92 season, Geneva Concerts began an educational outreach program which continues to grow. In recent seasons we have reached more than 1,000 school children annually. This program helps to build our future audience base by exposing our children to a wide variety of concert and dance performances and it assists the Arts-in-Education programs for Geneva and the surrounding school districts by providing high-quality performers for school programs.

Free Sponsor-A-Student Tickets

Each year, our members generously provide funds for our Sponsor-A-Student program which provides free tickets to all children through high school. Tichets are available at the box office on the night of the concert.

Children at North Street Elementary School demonstrated conducting skills with Chamber Orchestra Kremlin Music Director Misha Rachlevsky (Fall 2004).

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Outreach During the 2004–2005 Season

Thursday Morning, 18 November 2004

Chamber Orchestra Kremlin
Performance for North Street
Elementary School

The Chamber Orchestra Kremlin performed at Geneva's two public elementary schools and the middle school. The conductor, Misha Rachlevsky, interacted with the students, asking questions about how they felt about the compositions that were played. Two highlights were having several students conduct the ensemble. They were shown that the musicians would follow the tempo and other gestures from the student. This was superbly effective in showing the role of a conductor and was entertaining and exciting for the kids.

One third grade student wrote: "I learned the conductor can choose the tempo. I also learned the conductor told the musicians just about everything they needed to know."

Photo courtesy of Spencer Tulis, The Finger Lakes Times.

Thursday Afternoon, 18 November 2004

Performance for West Street Elementary School

The other activity besides just the great music that they played was having the kids "dance," that is, make movements where they were seated, to a "Hoe Down" fiddle tune. The students just loved it. After it started, the conductor invited several individuals up to the front of the stage where they danced. Both of these events were perfect and showed that classical music and string instrument playing can be beautiful and fun.

Another third grader wrote: "I liked it when the tempo was fast. I liked listening to the violins. Russians are very good musicians. Music makes us feel emotions." One of the teachers wrote: "The value to the students was immense as so many of them have never had the opportunity for such a musical experience."

Friday Afternoon, 19 November 2004

Performance for Geneva Middle School

A similar performance, geared for slightly older students, took place at the Geneva Middle School (grades 6, 7, and 8) on Friday, November 19. Several selections were played and the conductor engaged the students with questions. The fantastic quality sound in the new middle school auditorium and the superb playing of the ensemble made a strong impression on the students.

Friday Morning, 1 October 2004

David Leonhardt Quartet and Shelley Oliver Dancers
Performance for Geneva High School

On 1 October 2004, the Dave Leonhardt Quartet and the Shelley Oliver Dancers presented a performance entitled "What is Jazz?" to the entire Geneva High School. Through music and jazz tap dancing, the performers demonstrated the improvisation techniques that are integral to this most American of art forms.

Friday Afternoon, 1 October 2004

Master Class with Shelley Oliver

After the outreach event at the Geneva Middle and High School, Shelley Oliver led a master class at Hobart and William Smith Colleges for more than 20 students in the Department of Dance. A noted dance educator Ms. Oliver teaches jazztap at Muhlenberg College, choreographs for the theater, and is Director of the Muhlenberg Jazz Tap Ensemble. She has conducted work shops and residencies for Lincoln Center, New York City Public Schools and universities through out the United States.

Friday Afternoon, 1 October 2004

Workshop with the David Leonhardt Quartet

After the morning performance at the Geneva Middle and High School, Dave Leonhardt and the members of his quartet led a workshop for the members of the Geneva Middle and High School Jazz Bands. Here he discusses and then demonstrates improvisation with the students. Mr. Leonhardt has been a jazz educator for over twenty-five years presenting workshops and leading clinics with his own ensemble in the United States and internationally.

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Outreach During the 2003–2004 Season

Friday Morning, 7 November 2003

Ballet Jörgen "The Velveteen Rabbit"

On November 7, 2003, Geneva Concerts hosted a school-time performance by Ballet Jörgen of Toronto for the elementary school children of Geneva and the surrounding area of The Velveteen Rabbit. The performance was held at the Smith Opera House and over 1200 students attended the event. With special funding that Geneva Concerts raised for this event, all of the more than 600 third, fourth, and fifth grade students from Geneva's public schools were able to attend the performance free of charge.

Based on the classic children's book by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of a young boy and his love for a stuffed rabbit that comes to life. The performance began and concluded with interactive and educational activities that help young audiences see how dance and movement tell a story.

North Street Elementary School and West Street Elementary School, Geneva, Grades 3–5	698
Waterloo & Border City Elementary School	46
Seneca Falls Elementary Schools	120
St. Francis'–St. Stephen's, St. Michael's, and St. Patrick's Elementary Schools	100
Lyons Elementary School	103
North Rose-Wolcott Elementary School	24
Home School Students from as far away as Batavia	46
Daycare students	58
Other Children	13
Teachers and Other Adults	45
Total Attendance	1,253

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Why We Do It: The Students Respond

Students from a local third grade class were enthusiastic about the performance. They made drawings and wrote notes to the dancers, some of which are reproduced (exactly) below.

• AWESOME! I loved your play! It must be hard work tying to get the dances just right. I loved all your costoms. They were fantastic. My faovorite part was when all the toys were danceing and when the germs were trying to scare the boy and the velveteen rabbit. Thank you for inviteing us to your play. Your friend, AP
• WOW! I loved the Velveteen Rabbit. That was probably the best play I ever seen. The dancing was awesome. How could you do so much dancing? The boy really loved the velveteen rabbit. Sincerely, DP
• WONDERFUL! I loved the Velveteen Rabbit. It was GREAT!! You should be very proud of yourselfs. That was a really great show you put on. Thank you for letting us come. KKD
• THANK YOU! Thank you fo rthe wonderful of play.I enjoyed watching the movements. You guys are great dancers! I liked when the boy was draging the velveteen rabbit on the stage floor! Thank you for letting us com. Your friend, TC
• AWSOME! You guys were great! I must be a lot of work doing all that stuff. The costumes were awsome! It had to be a lot of work to learn the moves. You looked really sweaty. I want to go and see a different show with you guys in it. You have a lot of upper body strenth. I want to go see it again. Your friend, D
• WONDERFUL. I had a great time watching the Velveteen Rabbit. It was a great show! I liked the part when the fairy came and turned the rabbit into a real one. I liked looking at all the costumes. My two favorite were the fairy and the rabbit. At school we watched the movie The Velveteen Rabbit, only I liked the one you did better. If I was in the play I would be the fairy or the rabbit! I had a great time! Your friend, KF
• Great Job! I had a great time at teh show. It was really good. I liked the part when she became real. The fairy was pretty! The velveteen rabbit was cute, too. My favorite part was when they played outside in the garden. Thank you for inviting us. From DS

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Friday Afternoon, 7 November 2003

Master Class with Bengt Jörgen

On the afternoon of November 7, 2003, Director Bengt Jörgen led a master class at Hobart and William Smith Colleges for 20 students in the Department of Dance.

The next evening, November 8, 2003, more than 700 patrons were in the audience for Ballet Jörgen's spirited performance of the comedic ballet Coppélia at the Smith Opera House.

Photo courtesy of Spencer Tulis, The Finger Lakes Times.

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Friday Afternoon and Evening, 27 February 2004

The Swingle Singers
with The Geneva High School
Women's Chorus & Men's Ensemble

The Swingle Singers are an eight-voice a cappella group that has been performing around the world since 1963. They have recorded nearly 50 albums with a repertoire that ranges from the baroque and Bach, to the Beatles and jazz. Several contemporary composers have written music specifically for their unique vocal style.

At the Swingle Singers concert in Geneva on February 27, 2004, The Geneva High School Women's Chorus was conducted by Joanna Forbes, the music director for the Swingle Singers, and performed "Amazing Grace." The Women's Chorus and the Men's Ensemble then performed a rousing version "I'll Be There for You" with the Swingle Singers.

The Geneva High School Women's Chorus is in its fourth year of existence. Membership is by audition only and the group attracts students who want to work at an advanced musical level. The small size of the chorus and the intensity of the rehearsals provide a musical and emotional intimacy for the members that is both moving and fulfilling. At last spring's New York State School Music Association's Major Ensembles Festival, the girls earned a Level VI Gold with Distinction rating. This is the highest level of accomplishment possible on the most difficult music available. This coveted rating is awarded to only a few choirs in New York State.

The Geneva High School Men's Ensemble is a select group that performs pop and lighter musical selections. The ensemble gives the boys a chance to work on close harmonies and vocal independence. Men's Ensemble is not a part of the curricular day, so the members sacrifice precious after school time to rehearse. The boys frequently embellish their performances with humor, making them a favorite at the GHS concerts.

Linda M. Allen is a Geneva native. She received her Bachelors in Music Education with a concentration in piano from the Crane School of Music. As a teaching assistant, she received her Masters Degree in Choral and Instrumental Conducting from the University of Southern Mississippi. This is her seventh year as Choral Director at Geneva High School. She directs the Concert Chorus, the Women's Chorus, and the Men's Ensemble, along with teaching keyboard class and acting as musical director for the GHS stage productions.

Working with the Swingle Singers was a unique outreach opportunity for the singers from Geneva High School. Music was sent to the chorus and ensemble about six weeks in advance of the performance. On the day of the performance, the chorus worked and rehearsed with the Swingle Singers (shown above). It was an ideal opportunity for young singers, especially those considering a career in music, to experience performing with a professional ensemble. Thanks to Linda Allen, director of vocal music at Geneva High School, for preparing her students so well. She writes:

"The kids were so thrilled with their experience! Students are involved in so many activities that sometimes they don't appreciate an opportunity like this. Before the concert some were looking at this like just one more thing they had to do. After the concert, the attitude was much different. They were excited and very thankful! Thank you so much for your help and support. The warmth of the Swingle Singers and the positive reception of the audience has really gone a long way to make them feel welcome. I'm hoping that more will take advantage of the free student tickets from now on. Thanks again!"

(Photos courtesy of Lauren Long, The Finger Lakes Times.)

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Saturday Morning, 3 April 2004

Burning River Brass Workshop

On April 3, 2004 the members of Burning River Brass held a workshop for area brass and percussion students at Geneva High School. The workshop began with Burning River playing a piece for the students entitled "Heroic Fanfare" by Anthony DiLorenzo.

The performers and students then broke up into small groups (by instrument) to learn the piece. (See photos below.)

About an hour later, the group reassembled. Burning River and the students played the piece together (fantastic!) and then the students played the piece on their own (impressive!). What a great session. (See photo to the right.)

Horn players from Geneva and Seneca Falls do a run through of "Heroic Fanfare" with the horns from Burning River Brass.

Members of the trumpet section of the GHS Band practice "Heroic Fanfare" with the trumpet players of Burning River Brass.

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November 21–22, 2002

Orquesta La Moderna Tradición Residency

In the Fall of 2002, Geneva Concerts hosted a two-day five-event residency by the Orquesta La Moderna Tradición that was capped by their spirited performance at the Smith Opera House on November 22, 2002. More than 1,000 people participated in the outreach events.

Orquesta La Moderna Tradición is one of the few ensembles dedicated to the performance of classic Cuban dance music-son, guaracha, cha-cha-cha, and especially, the danzón. A legendary ballroom style that developed from the fusion of African and European music in Cuba, danzón blends the music of Afro-Cuban drums with the refined melodies of flute and violins. One of the most popular styles at the turn of the century, danzón led directly to the development of the cha-cha-cha and Argentinean tango. This rich mixture of dance, music, and culture provided multiple opportunities to create educational and outreach activities.

The Orquesta in the groove during a school-wide assembly at Geneva High School on November 21, 2002. Learn more about the Orquesta La Moderna Tradición Residency.

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September–October 2001

Taylor 2 Residency

In the Fall of 2001, Geneva Concerts hosted a three-week residency of the Taylor 2 Dance Company. It was Geneva Concerts' first-ever long-term residency, significantly enhancing our commitment to audience education and outreach. Our focus was on three major audience segments representing a broad cross-section of the community: Young Audiences and Schools, Special Audiences, and College Students and Faculty.

The Residency incorporated 16 sites and 57 events within a 25-mile radius of Geneva, a rural area incorporating five counties of Central New York. There were more than 6,500 contacts during the Residency, and in our particular target audiences we reached approximately 5,700 young people, 750 college students, and 90 senior citizens.

Photo by Seth Siditsky. Courtesy of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

HWS T2 Repertory "Cloven Kingdom," a classic Taylor work reconstructed by Susan McGuire and rehearsed by Francie Huber at Hobart and William Smith Colleges on Parents' Weekend: Friday, 12 October 2001. This performance was preceded by a performance of Hobart and William Smith dancers. Dancers: Kelly Doran, Lindsey Johnson, Ashley Knowlton, Monicka Koneski, Erin Law, Kristen Magnanti (WS'01), Ashley Middleton, Megan Phillips, Susan Rainey, Laura Scott, Jessica Skovron, and Nicole Wilbur.

The residency was capped by a performance of the Paul Taylor Dance Company on October 13, 2001 at the Smith Opera House, which attracted a Geneva Concerts' record audience of 1,085 people.

Summary of Events

Geneva Concerts Taylor 2 Residency Summary
Dates	Total Events	Total Locations	Total Contacts
9/24/01 – 10/12/01	57	16	6,543*
Geneva Concerts Presentation of The Paul Taylor Dance Company
Date	Program	Location	Attendance
10/13/01	Oh, You Kid! Counterswarm Esplanade	The Smith Opera House Geneva, NY	Adults: 633 Students: 452 Total: 1,085

* May include multiple contacts with the same individual.

Geneva Concerts Taylor 2 Residency Details
Audience	Events	Contacts
Youth (Total)	21	5,784*
Geneva Boys and Girls Club	2	28
Geneva YMCA	1	25
Geneva Elementary School Students & Staff	6	3,847*
Geneva Middle School Students & Staff	4	877
Geneva High School Students & Staff	8	1007*
College Students (Total)	30	747*
Wells College	2	69
Finger Lakes Community College	1	20
New York Chiropractic College	1	38
Hobart & William Smith Colleges (Total)	26	620*
Dance Technique Classes	6 classes	64*
Intro to Dance	2 classes	42*
Taylor Repertory Class	10 classes	120*
First-Year Seminars	4	64
Movement for Athletes	1	25
Public Performances	2	275
Creative Arts Improv' Jam	1	30
Senior Citizens (Total)	2	94
FF Thompson Farris Hills	1	39
Geneva Living Centers	1	55
Other	4	45

Learn more about the Three-Week Taylor 2 Residency Fall, 2001.

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Educational Outreach During the 2000–2001 Season

During the 2000–01 season, our Outreach Program reached more than 1,000 people. It consisted of planning and underwriting the following programs for area students:

• In October 2000, members of the River City Brass Band held workshops with individual brass players at Geneva Middle and High Schools. Forty-seven attended.
• In February 2001, over 90 area elementary middle and high school students attended (free of charge) Geneva Concerts' presentation of the Syracuse Symphony featuring pianist Terrence Wilson. This included members of the eighth grade music class at St. Mary's School, Waterloo who were studying the music of the American composers Gershwin, Copland, and Bernstein featured on the program.
• In March 2001, Geneva Concerts arranged for the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin's music director Misha Rachlevsky to hold a master class/workshop with the Geneva Youth Orchestra. The students had prepared Mozart's "Divertimento No. 3" and Hovhanness' "Psalm and Fugue" for the event. Over 50 people participated. (See photo.)
• In April 2001, The Judy Carmichael Trio performed at the Geneva Middle School. Trio member Michael Hashim led master classes exploring the nature of improvisation in jazz at the Geneva Middle, the Geneva High School, and West Street Elementary School.

Photo courtesy of Spencer Tulis, The Finger Lakes Times.

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Educational Outreach During the 1999–2000 Season

• In October 1999, approximately 250 middle and high school musicians and their teachers attended a free workshop Maynard Ferguson Jazz Workshop underwritten by Geneva Concerts. Students attending were also given free tickets to a performance later that evening by Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band at the Smith Opera House.
• In January 2000, Geneva Concerts arranged a special outreach performance by the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin for all the students at the Geneva Middle School to link the school's ongoing interest in Russia with the arts. One student's parents wrote:

  Please tell Orchestra Kremlin 'thanks' for going to Geneva Middle School. It was obvious they made a big hit there. My child couldn't stop talking about how good they were and how fascinated the middle schoolers were. The part where conductor had three kids take a stab at actually conducting group went over VERY well. Bring 'em back to Geneva if at all possible.

  Indeed, a return visit is scheduled for the coming season.
• In April 2000, Bengt Jorgen, artistic director of Ballet Jorgen from Toronto. held a master class for dance students at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in conjunction with the company's performance of "Romeo and Juliet."
• Over the course of the entire season, more than 300 school-age children attended our concerts free of charge through our Sponsor-A-Student program.