BRIDGES TO MUSIC
Bridges to Music is Peninsula Symphony’s education and outreach program, touching the lives of thousands of people each year by bringing the joy and magic of live music into schools, libraries, senior facilities, public and private events, and more.
Whether it’s a fun and interactive assembly at a local elementary school, a free concert in the park for hundreds of patrons, the chance to be coached by a rising superstar instrumentalist, or the opportunity to go “behind the scenes” as Maestro Klein and our players create orchestral magic, we want to make music available to the community however and whenever we can.
For more information or to schedule an outreach session, email us at info@peninsulasymphony.org or click the button bellow to fill out our inquiry form.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS | FAMILY PROGRAMS | SENIOR 50+ PROGRAMS
YOUTH PROGRAMS
“Music People” | A Virtual Class Series, part of our Special Bridges To Music Program
Available for: Preschool Ages or Children with Special Needs | When: Virtually on YouTube | FREE
The Special Bridges to Music Program is an educational outreach program for younger children and children with special needs and challenges. It is developed to bring musical experiences to children to enhance both self-esteem and self-expression by teaching basic musical concepts and exploring how music is an integral part of every child's life. The lessons - first in-person in the public schools and now online in a series called “Music People” - explore what music is, how music is written, how music can be developed in each child in unique ways, and how musicians make music in today's world. No musical instruments are needed to participate in these lessons that explore the basics of music through singing, while introducing the guitar and violin, along with classical music. The goal of the series is to encourage each child to experience the magic of music in their daily lives to bring them joy. The Special Bridges to Music Program is offered free of charge thanks to the generosity of our donors.
For more information on Program Director Deborah Passanisi, read her bio here.
“Love that you’re creating an online music program for children with special needs.”
This program is made possible in part by the generous support from
episodes:
Episode 1: “Music is Everywhere”
Episode 2: “Notes: The Alphabet of Music's Words”
Virtual Masterclasses and Q&A Sessions with PSO Musicians
Available for grades: K-12 | When: Upon request during the school year | FREE
Our school outreach continues through safe, virtual mediums during the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, our school sessions have increased due to the need to enrich students’ curriculums in a time of complicated lesson planning as educators navigate new technologies and limitations of teaching online. Our musicians offer live coaching and masterclasses to their instrumental sections of band and orchestra classes during the school day. We can also offer live or pre-recorded instrument demonstrations and general question and answer sessions for all students regardless of instrument. These sessions are free of charge.
Sample pre-recorded middle school Q&A session:
SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES
Click here to view information about our partner ensembles.
Available for grades: K-5 | When: Upon request during the school year | FREE
Every teacher and school administrator wants to offer their students exciting, interactive and educational assemblies by fun and engaging professionals that are education-minded and who connect the ideas presented with the current curriculum.
Students throughout the Bay Area can experience live, in-school music presentations as PSO brings professional artists and ensembles into elementary schools. And thanks to the generosity of our program sponsors, these assemblies are always free of charge.
“Thank you for your wonderful concerts…you made my heart dance around with the fantastical rhythm. Will you musical geniuses ever come back?”
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Kid’s Discovery Day at the Tech!
Available for all ages | When: February each year (non-pandemic)
This event hosted by KDFC Classical Radio partners with local music organizations (including PSO) to bring a day of fun-filled exploration, on-stage music concerts, live instrument demonstrations, and tables for interactive activities by each partner org. Peninsula Symphony is known for its up-close instrument demos by PSO members at our booth, concerts by chamber ensembles, and free kazoos for each child! Kid’s Discovery Day 2020 presented PSO’s clarinet choir in a “Baby Shark”-themed performance demonstrating different members of the clarinet family.
Summer Concert in the Park
Available for all ages | When: TBA for the 2021-2022 Season | Where: Los Altos / TBA for the 2021-2022 Season | FREE
Bring your blankets and picnics and enjoy a summer evening while the Peninsula Symphony serenades you with the sounds of some of the most memorable and popular pieces in our repertoire. Featured on the program every year is the winner of Peninsula Symphony’s annual Young Musicians Competition. It’s a wonderful and musical way for your family to kick off the summer!
Family Concert
Available for all ages | When: April or TBA | Where: San Bruno or San Mateo (TBA for 2021-2022 Season) | FREE (tickets required)
As part of our Bridges to Music program, we present an annual free afternoon concert for children and families. These concerts feature engaging and interactive pieces written to help young people learn about the orchestra and the instruments, and children also have the opportunity to meet the musicians and see their instruments up close! Featuring Marilyn Mindell Piano Competition Winner. This is a FREE event and typically sells out early.
SENIOR 50+ PROGRAMS
Zoom Presentation / Q&A Session
Available for ages 50+ through their senior residence | When: upon request | FREE
Our newest offering as part of our Bridges to Music outreach program is specifically meant for seniors. We have been able to provide hour-long live Zoom presentations of enriching classical music to active and assisted living residences across the state during the pandemic. Seniors are treated to an interactive session with Maestro Mitchell Sardou Klein, PSO Staff and musician(s) as they are treated to highlights from PSO’s AllStars@Home and PSO At Home virtual concert series. These sessions also offer a Q&A and insight into how a symphony orchestra produces content remotely.
View Senior Outreach promo video here:
Holiday MUSIC - TV Program on LOcal Access Channels
Available to City Senior Recreation Depts | When: Dec 2020 | FREE
Peninsula Symphony put together a 45-minute holiday program for the Los Altos Recreation Department’s 50+ Members that was shown on local public access television channels across the mid-Peninsula area. This program featured the PSO brass quintet, reed ensemble, concert master Debra Fong, and much more.
View the 2020 Holiday video here:
For more information or to schedule an outreach session, email Jim here.