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M U S I C F O R E X C E L L E N C E A leader in music education, OEBS developed MUSE as a comprehensive instrumental music program that currently serves 3,000 students in grades 3-12 at eighteen Oakland public schools. MUSE functions to complement the public school music curriculum, by taking professional musicians of the Symphony into these schools to work with music teachers and students in their instrumental music classes. The program serves a student population that is primarily African American, Asian and Latino in some of the city's most economically depressed neighborhoods. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF MUSE Instruct To provide the children of Oakland, in grades 3-12, with a continuous and sequential instrumental music program that will augment education programs by fostering cognitive development and analytical skills, allow youth to experience the joy of artistic expression and creation, and provide a sense of self and place in the community. Inspire To provide role models for children of different cultural backgrounds by bringing successful artists into the public schools to work with low income children and youth, non-English speaking youth, and children of non-English speaking parents. Engage To provide a creative outlet for the energy of youth that will provide these young people with a foundation for positively viewing themselves as capable and contributing members of our society. MUSE COMPONENTS Musician/Mentors in the Schools Approximately 32 weeks a year, 24 Symphony musicians visit 9 public schools in Oakland, three hours each week, to work with a total of 1,125 students. Music Director Michael Morgan and professional musicians of OEBS provide instruction, guidance and mentoring. Education Coordinator Carl Stanley also instructs and directs the program. Specific curriculum is determined in consultation with each of the music teachers and based on the State of California Department of Education Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards. Private Music Instruction & After School Piano Classes During the history of MUSE, many students have been identified, who demonstrate particular promise and talent on their instrument, with a desire to learn more in an accelerated format. Through these lessons, OEBS musicians provide more personalized instruction in an effort to build the skills of promising students who may eventually take advantage of the aforementioned opportunities. Music Clinics In addition to small-group instruction, MUSE provides periodic "clinics" where students learn special skills, such as instrument maintenance, simple repair, reed-making, string tuning, etc. Beginning keyboard instruction, originally offered through this component, is now offered through the Private Music Instruction and After School Piano Classes Component. These sessions also afford time to develop personal mentoring relationships with the Symphony musicians. Advanced students learn to become instructors in the early clinics, and conduct the clinics later on in each session. Music Mixers Twice each school year, students design and host a school mixer. While students determine the specifics of the mixer, it is intended to be an informal, social and musical event where students and musicians can play and talk about music. Students are given an opportunity to organize community concerts where families and community members can come to hear school ensembles perform. Symphony in the Schools (SITS) Residency Program Established as a program that would build on Music Director Michael Morgan's School Visits (to schools with little or no music programs), SITS is a residency program that takes Michael Morgan, participating local artists and ensembles of 2 to 3 OEBS musicians into select Oakland public schools for six 90-minute visits to each school during the academic year. SITS introduces students to symphonic music and provides them with hands-on music education. The program is designed to support schools with existing instrumental and/or choral music programs, particularly for beginning music students. The residency is tailored to the specific needs of each school's music program, and may include: demonstration of different instruments and repertoire; hands-on instrumental instruction and instrument maintenance; coaching of instrumental and/or vocal ensembles; and demonstrating the basics of conducting. Participating schools Allendale Elementary Franklin Elementary Cox Elementary Manzanita Elementary Oakland Senior High Roosevelt Middle School Skyline Senior High Sobrante Park Elementary Stonehurst Elementary Bret Harte Middle Glenview Elementary Hoover Elementary Horace Mann Elementary Kaiser Elementary Lazear Elementary Lincoln Elementary Piedmont Avenue Elementary Westlake Middle School |
   This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. |