Education & Outreach Initiative
Improving the Quality of Life in Our Community | As an integral part of our mission, the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra provides innovative education and outreach programs that touch the lives of many in our community. The RSO also partners with local business and other non-profits to help fulfill that mission.
In-School Learning Experiences
Musicians and guest artists from the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra visit local area schools and present lively, interactive performances and educational programs for students tailored to their grade level of music education. The outreach programs are made possible by collaboration between the RSO and the school’s music education staff. Educational outreach is part of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra’s mission to increase the appreciation for music through community involvement for people of all ages and abilities.
RSO and RHS Music Department Join Forces for Two-day Music Program
The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (RSO) and Ridgefield High School Music Department collaborated to present a two-day music education program on November 4 and 5, 2021. All RHS orchestra and band students participated in workshops and sectional rehearsals led by twelve professional musicians. The program was sponsored jointly by the RSO and the Ridgefield Music Parents organization.
“It’s great to be doing in-school music education programs again after so long with only limited outreach opportunities due to the health crisis,” says RSO Executive Director Laurie Kenagy. “Presenting such a large-scale program and working with the student musicians at the instrument level (i.e. violin students working with a professional violinist) is a great way to offer students access to professionals who play the same instruments they play.”
“This is such a great thing for the kids and for our community. Not many towns have a professional symphony within their borders. This is the kind of outreach that really highlights why Ridgefield has a designated cultural district and why our town is known for the arts. Collaborations like this, and our current administration’s concentration on improving the infrastructure of our music and art programs, serve as evidence of the value the community places on what we do. I know the kids are going to be very inspired by working alongside the RSO!”
During the two-day RSO/RHS program, the professional musicians will work with students on technical skills related to their particular instrument, as well as work on music the students are preparing for RHS concerts later this fall.
Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra with the mission to enrich the cultural life of the citizens of Ridgefield and surrounding communities by presenting musical performances of the highest artistic quality. The RSO also strives to increase the appreciation for music through active community involvement and innovative educational programs.
Ridgefield Music Parents is a parent organization with the mission to support the music program for all of Ridgefield Public Schools and to assist the directors in any way they can to keep music thriving.
RSO Music Director, Yuga Cohler, visits Ridgefield High School to talk about music education, music as a career, and to work with the RHS orchestra.
Family Nights at the RSO
The RSO welcomes students, parents and staff from local schools to attend RSO dress rehearsals on Friday nights prior to Saturday concerts. The students discuss the music, meet the conductor, talk about audience etiquette, take a tour of the auditorium and observe the RSO in dress rehearsal.