Partnerships in Education Program
Bringing award-winning young artists to local high schools to mentor and inspire the next generation of chamber music lovers.
At recent visits by the Balourdet Quartet to high schools in Rye and New Rochelle and by the Katarina String Quartet to Sleepy Hollow High School, students in the string programs there received coaching in technique and artistry via small group rehearsals and master classes. Each day featured a concert by the quartet with pieces chosen specifically to appeal to the students and to reinforce the day’s teachings — to inspire as well as instruct.
“I really learned how to work better in a group…to express things [in the music] as they were intended…and to get the character [of the piece] across.”
— Christian Sanchez, New Rochelle High School student
The Partnerships in Education program is open to public middle and high schools in Westchester County — at no cost to the participants! Grant applications are mailed to Westchester school districts every fall. Schools are selected for the program based on their demonstrated commitment to the success of the day, the strength of the school’s music program, the number of students reached, and alignment with artists’ scheduling.
We are so grateful to Friends of Music for hosting this quartet today. The students are absolutely on cloud nine right now after this coaching!
— Claire Stancarone, New Rochelle High School music teacher
Friends of Music organizes and sponsors 4-6 visits like this to schools throughout Westchester County each year. Nationally renowned artists bring their talents, personal stories, artistry, and joy for chamber music to teach and guide as well as perform. We choose young, vibrant artists who can quickly establish a rapport with students, making the experience inspiring and memorable for everyone. All the young musicians who participate in our Partnerships in Education program have educational outreach as a part of their mission.
What Students Say
I learned a lot. It has even inspired me to start playing more on my own in order to develop the love for playing like you guys have. Thank you!
In one short session you taught us a valuable lesson in the art of playing with emotion and intention.
Thanks for helping us improve our performance before our concert. I really think it helped us grow in technique and confidence before our performance. Thank you for choosing to come back to our school again, I hope you don’t get tired of us if you come back again. We really enjoy your visits when you help and perform for us. I think you would’ve been very proud.
How You can Help
Keeping this program free to participants requires significant external support. Please consider making a donation in any amount to keep Partnerships in Education thriving!
For more information, please email Rosella Ranno at rosella@friendsofmusicconcerts.org.