Strings in the Schools
An education program for middle and high school students.
This program is offered in three (3) parts, but each part can be scheduled independently.
Part I: Introduction to the "Family of Strings"
The presentation is made by two professional string players and includes a demonstration of violin, viola, cello, and bass; a wide sampling of repertoire; and audience participation with a hands-on segment (instruments are available for students to touch, hold, and play). This program is designed to introduce students to the most important members of the symphony orchestra and to make some key concepts in classical music-making come alive.
Since students have the opportunity to play the various instruments, the program is ideally suited for a small group of students; however, the program can be adapted to meet the school's specific needs.
Part II: "Music Ambassadors" – youth to the youth.
This segment presents young string players performing various popular classical and country fiddle music.
The school children also have the opportunity to dance the Minuet, and to ask questions to the young performers and the professional musicians.
Part III: "Music from around the World" A professional string quartet takes the school children on a musical journey across the globe to several countries – showing location on world map, and presenting a piece of music from that country.
For more information about this program, availability of the performers and fees, please contact our office at 570-943-2558 or via email at gce@gabrielensemble.org
Gabriel Chamber Ensemble Chamber Music for Children
Our “Chamber Music for Children” educational assembly program for elementary school children:
This is an original, 45-minute one-act play written by Debra Bemiller in collaboration with Simon Maurer and Kathy Miller. It fulfills Gabriel Chamber Ensemble’s mission to foster growth in chamber music appreciation and to encourage young people in their attendance, and involvement.
Based on the life of Franz Joseph Haydn, it features a live performance of chamber music of the 18 th century court, by a string quartet of highly skilled, professional musicians. Students participate in a lively demonstration of the important elements heard in the music. They also have an opportunity to meet and interact with the musicians and actors during a question and answer period.
The presentation, complete with period costumes and humorous dialogue between an 18 th century prince and his court actor “Scherzo” promises to capture the imaginations of young audiences while introducing many to their first live performance of chamber music.
The program is designed for a wide audience range (K thru 6 th grade). Collateral materials are sent to teachers a few weeks prior to the presentation, in order for them to prepare the children with information on the key musical and social concepts, with worksheets developed for each grade and presented in increasing level of difficulty.
“Chamber Music for Children” has already been presented to over 10,000 children in Eastern and Central Pennsylvania.
Reviews from teachers, parents and children are available
For more information about this play, availability of the ensemble and fees, please contact Gabriel Chamber Ensemble via email (gce@gabrielensemble.org)