Symphony in the Schools: A Partnership for Learning

 We are pleased to announce that the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra has been awarded a grant by the South Carolina Arts Commission for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The Rock Hill School District Three is the beneficiary of this grant! Working in partnership with the Symphony, this matching grant will benefit our students in the following ways:

Each of the 9 Title 1 Elementary Schools will enjoy a 5-day residency conducted by string players and educators from the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra. Each residency begins with an introductory educational concert for the school and parents which is followed by an intensive 4-day series of instructional sessions for selected 5th grade students on the basic techniques of playing a string instrument for the purpose of generating interest in continuing string study when they enter 6th grade. This grant will also allow each student to have their own violin to use during this residency. A short student performance for the school and parents will conclude each residency.

The five middle schools will have Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra players and educators to co-teach beginning 6th grade orchestra classes for a month at the beginning of this school year. This support will assist beginning students in developing proper playing posture and correct hand positions and offer strategic assistance and instructional strategies to both students and teachers.

The middle and high school orchestra students will be involved in Workshops conducted by the Music Director for the Symphony. These hour-long sessions will focus on strategies for helping students get beyond the printed page towards developing their own musical ideas.  

The culminating event provided by this grant will be a free concert by the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra for all students served by the grant, their parents, administrators, faculty and the community at large. Plans are for the high school orchestra students to play on stage with members of the Symphony as the culminating event. Students will design publicity which includes a poster contest with the winning design to be used to advertise the event and on program covers. Students will be involved in other aspects of the performance, including ushering, assisting with stage management and technical aspects of lighting and sound. 

This grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission, along with in-kind contributions and matching funds will generate a tremendous value of professional musical opportunities for students. State and National research demonstrates the powerful effect art-rich schools have on student attendance, higher grades, a positive self-worth and engagement in school.