Classical Music in the Schools

Several years ago, Concerts at the Point launched an educational initiative to bring classical music into area schools. Experienced musicians present their music to school children who might otherwise have no contact with the classical genre.

During Sandy Kiefer’s "Talking Cello" presentation, students hear a cello composition, learn about the parts of the instrument, listen to the sounds it can make, and write about their findings.

One such musician is Sandy Kiefer, founder of the Copley Chamber Players of Boston, chamber music performer, and member of the Rhode Island Philharmonic orchestra. Deeply involved with children and the arts, Ms. Kiefer has been a performer, music teacher, and designer of children's concerts. She also writes a weekly children's column for eight newspapers.

These classical music programs, which have been received enthusiastically by students, faculty, and school administrators, now include an organist; a flute, oboe, and cello trio; and a brass quintet in residence at Boston College; and our Youth Helping Youth program with the award-winning Somerset High School String Orchestra. For further information about Classical Music in the Schools, please contact Barbara Faria at 508-636-3981.

Pre-concert Student Showcase

A more recent innovation, the Student Showcase, offers advanced young performing artists and ensembles an opportunity to present a short program prior to the Concerts at the Point concerts on Sunday afternoons. The Student Showcase provides the young artists with performance experience before a live audience as well as a chance to hear outstanding professional musicians in concert.

Intern Program

Initiated in 2005, the Intern Program sponsored by Concerts at the Point gave a select group of U-Mass/Dartmouth students an opportunity to learn about running a concert series. A 45-minute discussion of the key points of concert management was followed by setting up the concert area, attending the concert free of charge, and writing up impressions of the music and musicians afterward.