Education Programs

Chicago Sinfonietta’s educational programming is designed to instill and develop a love of classical music in Chicago-area students from 4th through 12th grade. Through partnerships with more than 12 schools in Chicago and the Western Suburbs, these programs fortify and expand existing music education curricula. CS positions itself as a catalytic “link” in the chain of music education by working with teachers to identify areas of need and invite students to become active participants in the music they love.

CS’ unique position as a seasoned orchestra championing diversity, equity, and inclusion also allows students to interact with and learn from professional musicians whose identities reflect their own. Guided by the principle “if you can see it, you can be it,” and with the knowledge that classical music as a field is overwhelmingly white- and male-led, CS’ educational programs deliberately center students of the global majority and of marginalized genders.

While the specifics of CS’ programming can vary according to each classroom’s unique “gaps” in the educational chain, MakingMUSIC and ENCORE represent the most common ways CS works with schools to support students’ journey.

MakingMUSIC

MakingMUSIC, a three-tiered series of programs designed for 4th through 8th grade, introduces students to basic classical music concepts and begins to build composition and performance skills. Through a combination of school visits, performances, student assessments, and field trips, each of MakingMUSIC’s season-long programs provides a strong foundation for future music learning while facilitating music appreciation and curiosity. In addition to classroom lessons and performances by guest musicians from Chicago Sinfonietta, all Making MUSIC participants and their families also receive complimentary tickets to Sinfonietta performances, creating another bridge between the Sinfonietta orchestra and the communities CS serves.

ENCORE

Whereas MakingMUSIC is geared toward introductory music appreciation and learning, ENCORE provides mentorship and instruction to high school students who are interested in continuing their music education at a higher level. Through a series of workshops and master classes led by Chicago Sinfonietta teacher musicians, ENCORE’s highly individualized small ensemble settings emphasize students’ technical mastery, collaboration skills, and professional growth.

Who we serve

In the classroom

Through experiential exercises, students learn about: the roles of the various sections of the orchestra; the history of classical music and how it relates to art of the same period; how volume and tempo affect the mood of the music; the process involved in composing, conducting, and performing; and other aspects of the musical process.

In the audience

Students are then able to apply the critical thinking and listening skills they have learned during performances by Sinfonietta ensembles at their school as well as at field trips to see the orchestra at Symphony Center. In addition, they take part in pre-concert lectures where they are able to interact with Sinfonietta guest artists.