Public School Partnership Programs
Turtle Bay Music School is pleased to offer a host of partnership opportunities for public schools who seek music programs in which students can participate. Turtle Bay Music School prides itself on working closely which each partner school to create appropriate, sustainable programs that benefit students, teachers, schools and the communities they serve. Considering the breadth and depth of music programs offered at TBMS, we are able to provide Public School partners with the opportunity to develop the music community of their choice.
Some examples of the partnerships Turtle Bay Music School leads in New York City include:
P.S. 20, P.S. 59 and P.S. 361
Orff Ensemble Classes
Turtle Bay Music School is proud to provide weekly Orff Schulwerk music classes to children in Pre-K through 5th grade at these New York City Public Schools. Based on an innovative model created by composer Carl Orff, the approach introduces children to the elements of music in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Using poems, rhymes, games, songs, and dances, children begin to expand and significantly develop their natural musical and linguistic abilities. A typical Orff lesson follows a sequence of learning that allows the children to fully explore and internalize each musical concept. Children learn first through imitation, followed by musical exploration, then individual creation and finally by note reading, hand sign and staff reading. Simple rhythmic patterns and pre-tuned tonal construction form the basis of Orff music making. By starting with these basic concepts, children learn the tools and the confidence to create music and improvise freely. Children are encouraged to work in ensembles and soloists. The act of creating music together helps students to become sensitive listeners and musical partners, fostering a sense of community. Keeping the notion of "community" in mind, there are several advantages of using Orff in a public school setting. Given the flexible nature of Orff, any of the musical activities can be linked to cultural studies, social themes, and/or school curriculum.
P.S./I.S. 217
Colombian Music, Dance and Culture Residency
Turtle Bay Music School is pleased to enter its fifth year of partnership with P.S./IS 217M (Community School District 2, Roosevelt Island).
Our program begins with two all-school opening concerts featuring Colombian musician and composer, Pablo Mayor, and his 10-piece band Folklore Urbano. Following the introductory performances, an 8-week residency exploring the music, dance and culture of Colombia will be led by four experts in Colombian music and dance, including 3 native Colombian artists. Culmination of the residency includes a full dress-rehearsal and two all-school performances featuring residency students, accompanied by Pablo Mayor and Folklore Urbano. These highly interactive and celebratory concerts are presented to the whole student body of P.S./IS 217. By offering a multifaceted residency exploring the musical and cultural diversity of Colombia, students are encouraged to explore and value diversity within their own surroundings. By challenging students of all ages and backgrounds to work creatively together, students develop a new means to problem-solve and work together, which translates back to the classroom. Lastly, by presenting newly learned creative skills to the entire school body, students convey a strong sense of community and cultural celebration, which in turn is shared by the rest of the students, teachers and parents of P.S./IS 217.
P.S. 116
After-School Strings Program
Turtle Bay Music School's strings at P.S.116 is an after-school, Suzuki-oriented program designed to provide music instruction in violin and cello to students. Parent/Guardian involvement both in the classroom and at home is crucial to the progress and success of a Suzuki student, and as such TBMS asks that participants' families maintain an active role in the program. Students receive lessons in their chosen instrument twice a week with one semi-private lesson and one group lesson. Our youngest students have two group classes each week in lieu of a semi-private lesson. The P.S.116 String Orchestra is an additional class which is mandatory for all 4th and 5th year students. The Orchestra is also available to younger experienced string students at the teacher's discretion. Students in our after-school program also have several community performances throughout the year, including performances at local senior centers. TBMS has also developed a pilot program of this After-School Strings Program at P.S. 361 in 2011.
P.S. 361
Youth Chorus
In 2010, Turtle Bay Music School began an expanded partnership program with P.S. 361 to provide quality weekly choral education to elementary-aged students. This program encourages students' love and appreciation of choral music and nurtures their individual growth and development. These weekly classes maintain high standards of excellence for music training and performance, and provide a unique opportunity for musical and personal development in an atmosphere of camaraderie and friendship. The Youth Chorus also reaches out to share its work, encouraging good citizenship amongst participants while teaching about the positive contribution their music can make in their diverse communities. Terry Cade, an established teaching artist and vocalist has been heading up the TBMS program at P.S. 361
For More Information
In addition to these programs, TBMS is equipped to provide any number of music programs, residencies, and in-school presentations, including our popular "Hear It Now!" concert series.
Please contact Katie Mazzari, Director of School and Community Programs, at (212) 753-8811, x 21 for more information or to schedule a site visit.
THANK YOU!
We are deeply grateful to the ASCAP Foundation, The Bay and Paul Foundations, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York Times Company Foundation and our many individual donors for their continuing support of these programs.
