Play, Sing, Listen! The Education Fund of Stamford Symphony will ensure that all youth in our communities have access to high-quality music education opportunities that will encourage them to explore, appreciate, perform, and create music while nurturing important life skills including creativity, listening skills, problem-solving, and self-esteem. To achieve this goal, we have reviewed all of Stamford Symphony’s past and current programs in conversations with key partners in schools, community organizations, and Symphony musicians. Stamford Symphony is making a significant commitment to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion issues through Play, Sing, Listen! We have set ourselves the goal of raising $1,000,000, over the next five years and expect to reach the following goals:
Support the Education Fund
About the Education Fund
1) Strengthen our partnership with Stamford Public Schools through new and engaging programs
2) Expand existing partnerships with local community programs
3) Launch new activities in collaboration with community organizations
4) Build up programs for engaging youth in orchestral performance, including pre-concert activities at Palace Theatre and family concerts
Key Program Areas
Play, Sing, Listen! is built around five categories of programming, which are comprised of existing and new programs and initiatives. Every category has strategic goals for expanding programming, deepening engagement, and increasing our reach to many young people.
LINK UP
STAMFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A program of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, Link Up features a highly participatory curriculum that introduces students to the orchestra and musical concepts. In a typical season, Link Up reaches ~1,300 students.
Traditionally, Stamford Symphony’s relationship with Stamford Public Schools has been through the Link Up program and each year, we receive numerous requests to do more classroom visits and increase exposure to the instruments.
By Year 5, Link Up will be offered in three school districts, reaching approximately 4,000 students.
By Year 5, we will have annual programs that reaches every grade level (K-12)
SCHOOLS IN NEIGHBORING TOWNS
COMMUNITY MUSIC
PROGRAMS
NEW PARTNERSHIPS &
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS
We intend to partner with artistic, education, and community organizations across Fairfield County to offer more educational programs in these communities.
There are many great community music organizations in our community and we will deepen these collaborative efforts to equip their students with even more resources and opportunities.
Collaborations with community music organizations make it possible for us to reach more young people, offer diverse programming and engagement activities to make a positive impact through the power of music.
By Year 5, we will have at least one educational program (instrument bootcamps, chamber performances, masterclasses, etc.) in every town across Fairfield County.
By Year 5, we will hold monthly activities with our key education partners and increase the number of students in these programs.
By Year 5, we will offer a variety of musical programs in partnership with non-traditional institutions, such as hospitals, youth organizations, malls, etc.
Outcomes
By reaching our goal of $1,000,000 over 5 years, Play, Sing, Listen! expects to achieve the following outcomes:
1) Stamford Symphony will be recognized as an important resource for in-school music education and for students and teachers in Stamford and across Fairfield County
2) Stamford Symphony will have relevant programs for all age groups in communities throughout Fairfield County
3) Stamford Symphony will be a recognized arts leader in the community with a strong and deep presence in the Stamford and Fairfield County communities
Sponsors and Partners
Sponsorship
Major support for the Stamford Symphony’s Education programs is provided by Evalyn E. and Stephen E. Milman
Stamford Symphony recognizes The Jeniam Foundation for its generous support provided by their gift to the Crescendo Fund.
Additional support provided by Louis J. Casale, Jr. Charitable Foundation Inc., Garden Homes Fund, Stamford Rotary Trust Fund, Uncle Larry’s Fund, Lorna Jorgenson Wendt Foundation
Education & Community Partners
Project Music
Intempo
Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras
Stamford Public Schools
Stamford Museum and Nature Center
New Canaan Public Schools
New Canaan Public Library
Carriage Barn Arts Center
Westport Public Library
