Press Release: 2010-02-19
Press Release: 2010-02-19FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2010
PRESS CONTACT: Nina Braun
781-698-8824 or ninab@lexingtonsymphony.org
http://www.lexingtonsymphony.org/press/
The Lexington Symphony was announced as recipient for this year's 2010 Music Advocate Award presented by the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA), a group of 1700 educators in Massachusetts and the federated state unit of the National Association for Music Education (MENC).
This prestigious award is given to an individual, organization, or community leader who has exemplified the MMEA mission of demonstrating advocacy for music education in the schools of Massachusetts through a financial commitment to music education and whose actions have led to improvements in curriculum, budget, or enrollment in the music program.
The Lexington Symphony was nominated by MMEA members Mary Correia, a music educator on staff at Gordon College, and founder of a program for music teachers called "Embracing the New Music Educator", and Rachel Wolcott, music teacher at the Oliver School in Lawrence, MA. The nomination recognized the Symphony's extensive educational outreach programs and focused specifically on a donation of 125 recorders to third-grade students at the Oliver School, which was funded by orchestra members themselves. The Symphony presented the recorders to the third-grade class during an assembly that introduced the students to symphony instruments and sounds. Some of these children had never seen or played an instrument before and all were enthralled by the sounds, according to Ms. Wolcott. Mary Correia stated, "You [Lexington Symphony] have planted the seeds for the next generation of musicians...[and] helped to educate an audience so they may experience the most beautiful expressions our civilization has to offer...music."
Students from Lawrence's Oliver School were also invited to attend the Lexington Symphony's annual Orchestrating Kids Through ClassicsTM; program held each year at Cary Hall, Lexington, for local third-grade classes. The innovative program introduces kids in an entertaining way to the sounds of a full orchestra, taking them through the orchestra's development from chant and recorder through modern-day Star Wars. Oliver School students were able to attend through a generous donation made by a member of the Lexington Symphony.
"This award is greatly appreciated, and it is an honor to gain such recognition for all the hard work and dedication the Symphony volunteers put into the outreach programs," stated Liz Whitfield, concertmaster.
The Lexington Symphony was honored and received the Music Advocacy Award at the annual MMEA conference on February 19th at the Seaport Hotel, World Trade Center, Boston.
About MMEA
The Massachusetts Music Educator's Association, MMEA is a federated state unit of MENC – the National Association for Music Education. MMEA is comprised of over 1700 members with the goal to advance and strengthen music education in the state of Massachusetts, provide enrichment opportunities in music for students through District and All-State honor groups, secure greater recognition for music as an integral part of the school curriculum, encourage music activities among the schools of the Commonwealth and promote professional growth among its members.
About the Lexington Symphony
The Lexington Symphony, a group of professional musicians, celebrates its 15th season of sharing classical music with the local community. Praised for their exacting standards of performance, the Lexington Symphony is now in its sixth year under the direction of Maestro Jonathan McPhee, one of the leading musical figures in New England and the Music Director for the Boston Ballet. The symphony's season runs from September through April with five ticketed concerts, monthly community outreach programs, and a dedicated education program for the next generation of musicians, including their acclaimed 'Orchestrating Kids Through Classics'.