October 21, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 21, 2014
Contact: Rachel Dellinger
KSO Director of Communications
Direct: 865-521-2317 Cell: 865-660-3037
[email protected]
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform for more than 8,300 elementary students as part of its annual series of five Young People’s Concerts on October 29-31 at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. “Are We There Yet?” is an educational program designed for students in 3rd through 5th grades. The Sheena McCall Young People’s Concerts are October 29-30 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. and October 31 at 9:30 a.m.
Young People’s Concerts (YPCs)–a 60+ year tradition at the KSO–are full symphonic performances designed just for kids. KSO Resident Conductor James Fellenbaum conducts the concerts for 8,300 students from Knox and surrounding counties. This presentation will explore music from all over the world and the sounds that make music reflective of its geographical location. Using visual elements such as slides, video projections, props, lights, and costumes stimulates the students’ interest and plants the seed for further music education growth. The YPCs are sponsored by Sheena M. McCall, the Rotary Club of Knoxville, Akima Club, Investors Management Service, Connor Concepts and Emmett Vaughn Lumber Company.
“The program “Are We There Yet?” is an excellent way for elementary-aged children to experience the symphony, and learn about music from different parts of the world,” said KSO Resident Conductor James Fellenbaum. “We will explore music in a fun way, from Russia to Austria, from Africa to Mexico. Not only will students hear what different parts of the world sound like, but — through our use of video projection — they can see where these countries are located. Local actor Terry Weber (performer and Clarence Brown Theatre faculty member) will portray Indiana Jones’ distant cousin, ‘Tennessee Smith,’ who helps the students journey around a map of the world, listening to music and looking for clues. The performance will also be enhanced by Austin East High School dancers and West African Drum & Dance Ensemble as the students learn about native dances associated with certain music around the world.”
These concerts are attended by school and home schooled groups from Knox and surrounding counties and are open to the general public for $6 per person. For more information about the KSO’s education programs, please visit www.knoxvillesymphony.com.
The KSO has contributed to the cultural life in East Tennessee since 1935 as the oldest continually operating orchestra. Under the leadership of Lucas Richman, the orchestra consists of 80 professional musicians and performs more than 250 programs throughout East Tennessee each season, including non-traditional places like hospitals, school classrooms, nursing homes, city parks and churches in addition to the concert hall. The KSO reaches more than 200,000 people throughout the region each year. More information about the KSO including the calendar of events can be found at www.knoxvillesymphony.com.
