CHAMBER MUSIC CORVALLISPUBLIC SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAMSOur organization is committed to offering public school students in our area the opportunity to hear classical music performed live in their own classrooms. Since 1993, we have sponsored outreach programs by selected ensembles from our regular concert series and since 2006 we have sponsored a locally-based string quartet, the Amici Corvallis, for outreach to elementary schools in Benton and Linn Counties. We sponsor two types of program based on the needs of the students involved: For advanced music students in the level 5 and 6 high school orchestras, we work with the student's conductor, Charles Creighton, to sponsor classroom workshops and master classes by one or more of the internationally recognized ensembles that perform in our concert series. The students get first-hand coaching by some of the best chamber music artists in the world. It is an unforgettable experience for a young, aspiring musician! | ||
 Jason Duckles of Amelia Piano Trio |
 Peter buckoke of Schubert Ensemble of London |
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Our approach for students in the elementary grades is different. We consult with the classroom teachers to present programs suited to the needs of the students, some of whom may never have heard classical music before. The programs give children the opportunity to see and hear a string quartet in their own classroom and are designed to reinforce and supplement the basic music curriculum. | ||
 Students at Jefferson ES enjoy the program |
 The Amici Quartet play at Jefferson ES |
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| The Amici Corvallis is a locally-based string quartet sponsored by Chamber Music Corvallis. Members of the quartet are Penelope Wolff, violin; Marilyn Tyler, violin; Abigail Stoughton, viola; and Anne Ridlington, cello. All are professional musicians who perform with the Corvallis-OSU Symphony, the Oregon Mozart Players, or other musical organizations in the Willamette Valley. The musicians are themselves teachers and adept at connecting with children in the elementary grades. The programs are inter-active and give the children time to ask questions and examine the instruments. We hope that in this way we may create an interest in some children in learning to play an instrument. | ||
 Penny Wolff and Abigail Stoughton talk about he music they are about to play at Jefferson ES 11/5/08 |
 Performances are held in the classroom whenever possible. Jefferson ES 11/5/08 |
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 Marilyn Tyler talks about her violin at Fir Grove Elementary School, North Albany 2/25/09 |
 Children reacting to the Amici's program at fir Grove ES, North Albany 2/25/09 |
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 Students respond to a question from the Amici. Fir Grove ES 2/25/09 |
 Abigail introduces the Amici while music teacher Emily DeMoe stands by. Oak Grove ES 2/25/09 |
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| Students appreciate the opportunity to experience up close the sound of a string quartet, and the chance to ask questions and examine the instruments. While some children are taking violin or cello lesions on their own, for some this may be the first time they have heard these instruments played. | ||
 Bizet's 'Spinning Top' is a favorite of the children Oak Grove ES 2/25/09 |
 Children at Oak Grove ES 2/25/09 |
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 Anne Ridlington talks about her cello at Oak Grove Elementary School, North Albany 2/25/09 |
 Oak Grove students ask Penelope Wolff about her violin, which dates from the 1700s 2/25/09 |
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 Students at Foster Elementary School near Sweet Home surprised everyone by showing that they know how to dance when the Amici played a waltz by Brahms! |
 Since their beginning in 2006, the Amici String Quartet has played for an estimated 750 K-6 school children |
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| Since 1993, Chamber Music Corvallis has sponsored outreach programs by 17 of our concert ensembles. On April 13-15, 2009, the Cypress String Quartet gave a three-day residency program at Crescent Valley High School, presenting workshops and master classes for students in the level 5 and 6 orchestras. Pictures taken at this program show the involvement of these musicians with the students as they worked with specific parts of the music they were going to perform. Previous outreach programs have included the Schubert Ensemble of London (five times), the Amelia Piano Trio (twice), the American Chamber Players, the Ying Quartet, the Peabody Piano Trio, the Turtle Island String Quartet, the Debussy String Quartet, and others. | ||
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The Camerata string chamber orchestra is composed of level 6 students
and is supported by the Corvallis Youth Orchestra under the direction
of Charles Creighton. A number of well known artists have come from
this group including Jason Duckles of the
Amelia Piano Trio, Adam Esbensen of the Boston
Symphony. Others such as Adam Mathis and
Nathan Reiman are currently studying at prestigious music schools.
Most students go on to other careers but retain a passion for great
music. The experience of working together to prepare a composition
for performance is something that will stay with them all the rest of
their life.
Pictured below are Cypress String Quartet members Cecily Ward, violin; Tom Stone, violin; Ethan Filner, viola; and Jennifer Kloetzel, cello. They played several pieces for the Camerata students, then worked with them on music they were preparing for their Spring concert. | ||
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| — John Hull | ||