Ravinia 2022, Issue 2

Over 75,000 community members are served through Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play music education and engagement programs each year, ensuring that music remains accessible to all. These programs provide children and families with inclusive music education programs and live music experiences in their schools and communities and at Ravinia. REACH Programs that extend Ravinia’s REACH and bring the joy of music to thousands throughout the Chicago area The music made me feel like I was on an adventure. I love music. It makes you feel like you are in a different place every time. — 3rd grade student, Guest Artists in the Classroom program Guest Artists in the Classroom The spark that ignites a love of music is introduced to young children through inspiring live performances in their schools by renowned ensembles and soloists from the Chicago area and Ravinia’s international stage. Surrounding their performance at Ravinia, WindSync visited several Chicago and Lake County elementary schools for the Guest Artists in the Classroom program. Opportunity Lawn Pass Program Through social service agencies partnered with Ravinia, individuals who otherwise would not be able to attend concerts at the festival receive access to unique live-music experiences at Ravinia. Classical Invitations To further enrich their music education, students enrolled in community music schools and their families are welcomed to Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts at Ravinia. KidsLawn A creative play-space on Ravinia’s Lawn invites children to explore music in magical ways with larger-than-life percussion sculptures, instrument petting zoos, sing-alongs, and musical crafts. TEACH Programs that TEACH the foundations of music and allow children to express themselves creatively Chicago Public School students and teachers explore music all year with the help of Ravinia teaching artists, and as summer approaches they have the opportunity to perform for other classrooms on Ravinia’s Martin Theatre stage, demonstrating what they’ve learned through the Music Discovery Program. Music Discovery Program Ravinia’s teaching artists lead music education programs in K–3rd grade classrooms to encourage students to discover the joy of music and engage in participatory music making. Teachers and students look forward to our time together and impress upon me how STEM is not enough for everyone. Music and the arts are a crucial part of forming well-rounded individuals and bringing communities together. I love when I hear a teacher tell me that they’ve never seen that side of a student. I love when a student tells me that they still sing the songs from last year and they taught their siblings the dances we learned together. — Music Discovery Program teaching artist Professional Development Chicago Public Schools elementary teachers receive training and resources to enhance their curriculum with music through a summer institute series and year-round workshops, forums, and special events. RAVINIA MAGAZINE • JULY 4 – JULY 17, 2022 68 REACH T EACH P L AY ® Mu s i c Edu ca t i on P rog rams