Education
The West Michigan Symphony Educational and Community Programs are an important part of who we are. Our programs and family activities provide opportunities for our community to experience live symphonic music and connect people, young and old, to the orchestra.
Why is music education important?
Here are some reasons why:
"The arts are a reflection of us, the story of us. They expand the mind and open us up to our own possibilities."
-Jeff Daniels, Actor, Source: The Detroit Free Press, How the arts can change lives. 8-2-09
“Learning to play a musical instrument help students to develop faster physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.”
- M. Mueller, A review of General Session II, ACC-VACC conference, Sacramento, CA, Feb.21, 1984. San Francisco, CA: The Music Dept. Bulletin, city college of San Francisco
“Music education improves student listening skills.”
- DD Kohanski (1970), Passaic N.J. report on ESEA Title I summer Program, July 1970.
“Music is about communication, creativity and cooperation, and, by studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the work from a new perspective.”
- Bill Clinton, former President, United States of America. Source: MENC’s Benfefits of music Brochure (Music Education Facts and Figures) 1-02-03
“The study on music by children has been linked to higher scores on the SAT and other learning aptitude tests, and has proven to be an invaluable tool in classrooms across the country.”
- Jeff Bingaman- U.S. Senator, New Mexico. Source: MENC’s Benfefits of music Brochure (Music Education Facts and Figures) 1-02-03
“With music in schools, students connect to each other better--greater camaraderie, fewer fights, less racism, and reduced use of hurtful sarcasm.”
- Jensen, E., Arts with the Brain in Mind, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001. Source: MENC’s Benfefits of music Brochure (Music Education Facts and Figures) 1-02-03
To learn more about music education and the impact it has please visit the following links:
http://www.americanorchestras.org/advocacy_and_government/benefits_of_arts_education.html
www.MENC.org
Special Ticket Pricing for families and students are available! Click here!
To contact the Education and Community Engagement Program Department please call 231-726-3231 ext. 31 or email:
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