Arcadia Players - New England's Period Instrument Ensemble
Arcadia Players embraces
practice to illuminate
and invigorate the
great Western heritage
of vocal and
Arcadia Reaches Children
Curriculum Workshop Presented to Springfield Music Teachers
November 19, 2014 - This is an exciting year for Arcadia Players as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary of orchestra and choral performances focusing on early music of the Renaissance through the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras. To ensure that we make the most of this historic opportunity, the board of directors has undertaken a goal of increasing public understanding of the historical significance of this music genre through music education programs that reach out to younger, more diverse audiences. To this end, the Board has committed to music education that serves the underrepresented within the Springfield School District.
On November 5th, Arcadia Players introduced a new music curriculum to Springfield School teachers of grades 5-7 music classes. The ARCH Program (Arcadia Reaches Children) workshop was led by K.C. Conlan and Laurie Rabut who introduced Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers through a creative, interdisciplinary, and compelling program that awarded teachers professional development points for their participation. The teachers were provided a print version of the curriculum, a PowerPoint presentation for in-class application of the lesson plans, and a DVD reflecting on Monteverdi’s work and the cultural and religious influences of the early 1600’s. Teachers that participated in the workshop will be implementing the curriculum into their classrooms and introducing early music education to upwards of 325 students. In January, Arcadia Players will be at Christ Church Cathedral to present those student learners with a special student presentation of segments of Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers.
Julie Jaron, Director of Visual and Performing Arts for the Springfield School District, participated in the workshop and described the program as, “…expertly presented, with informative and interesting information shared in a most engaging way. The comprehensive packet of educational materials includes adaptable music lessons that have clear music learning objectives, connecting the whole experience, from classroom to concert. I would highly recommend this workshop as a great way to enrich teachers’ knowledge of early music, and support their content expertise.”
To further this dynamic educational endeavor, Arcadia Players proposes to post the curriculum on our website in an effort to bring early music education to other children throughout our region. The availability of the web-based materials will be marketed to music teachers throughout western Massachusetts.
Arcadia Players believes that effective music education can strengthen student-learning skills, enhance community building, and enrich lives. Music is a transforming power and the ARCH program provides a unique opportunity to provocatively expand cultural awareness through creatively engaging educators to open student ears to new sounds.