Ravinia’s Music Discovery Program celebrates its 25th anniversary! The residency-based program, one at the core of Reach Teach Play’s robust set of music education initiatives, started in 10 schools in 1997 and currently serves more than 20, reaching over 3,000 Chicago Public Schools students a year.
All year round, kindergarten through 3rd-grade classroom teachers collaborate with Ravinia Teaching Artists to introduce basic music concepts, activities, and songs to the classroom curriculum. The Music Discovery Program culminates in an all-student performance at their school and a visit to Ravinia, where they perform in June during a six-day celebration called Ravinia Days.
“Ravinia has been a godsend throughout the pandemic. In my kindergarten class, our weekly online visit with teaching artist Andrew Distel not only thrilled the children but saved my sanity and helped me persevere,” Delores Dousias of Burroughs Elementary said of last year’s virtual program.
This year, Dousias saw Guest Artist Karen Banks-Lubicz effortlessly create songs in Spanish and English, uniquely representing her kindergarten classes. “She put music to the words of an inspirational poster I’ve been using with children for 25 years. Now we can sing it! I’ll never teach it any other way.”
This summer, Music Discovery students will perform on the Martin Theatre stage for friends and family, picnic on Ravinia grounds, and experience the Kohl Kaplan Fountain throughout Ravinia Days from June 1 through June 3 and June 7 through June 9 at 10:30 a.m.
Take a look at a few of the most recent Music Discovery in-class performances and see the impact this music education program has had on the children and families it serves!
Burroughs Elementary School Class Act
Dive into Guest Artist Karen Banks-Lubicz’s presentation about being welcoming and embracing diversity. Burroughs Elementary School students learned basic music concepts with the book All Are Welcome Here by Alexandra Penfold.
Smyth Elementary School Class Act
Take a look at all the fun that Smyth Elementary School had in this one-of-a-kind performance! The theme of the residency and classroom performance was American Songbook music in movies past and present.
Catalyst Circle Rock Class Act
Watch Circle Rock students get down with Motown and learn some classic songs as they read Claudette’s Miraculous Motown Adventure by Claudette Robinson and A.K. Morris.
Frazier Elementary Class Act
Enjoy the classics with Frazier Elementary School students as they learn songs from legendary Chicago musicians and artists.