Education programs centre stage
23.06.2020
Despite the recent restrictions, WASO’s award-winning Community Engagement and Education program adapted, finding new and innovative ways to engage and inspire our audiences in a time when we all need music most.
A wealth of tailored digital content reached schools, instrumental teachers and community organisations in all corners of our vast state over the last few months. During Term 2, as part of WASO Education’s support of students’ learning journey, schools were given access to the full performance of our 2018 Australia Council funded co-production with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, Carnival of the Animals. The production reached 78,000 students across 1200 schools and learning providers with the program also supporting teachers with a digital learning pack.
WASO Musicians created bespoke digital content for participants in our outreach programs, including Hospital Orchestra Project (HOP), Music for the Ages, Harmony Music and Connect. As restrictions have lifted WASO is taking every opportunity to directly engage with our audiences.
WASO’s flagship Young and Emerging artist program, Composition Project has also seen a COVID-19 friendly overhaul. This year the project gives emerging composers the opportunity to write a short solo work for a WASO musician. Sessions have been delivered digitally and allowed West Australian composers to develop their skills in a professional orchestral environment. Artistic Director and mentor James Ledger is guiding our composers through a series of online workshops culminating in a final performance and recording session on stage at Perth Concert Hall.
Our national award-winning El-Sistema inspired music education program Crescendo, resumed at full capacity on Tuesday 2 June, teaching 430 students across 30 classrooms with free weekly instrumental lessons at North Parmelia and Medina Primary Schools. As an integral part of the school community, WASO Teaching Artists are delighted to be back in our Crescendo Schools making music together as students returned to the classroom.
WASO’s Community Engagement and Education program is committed to the continued delivery of inspirational music experiences across the West Australian community. We look forward to building a renewed calendar of events and live music experiences for 2020, watch this space!
Our Community Engagement and Education programs are supported by Crown Resorts Foundation, Packer Family Foundation, Bendat Family Foundation, Crescendo Giving Circle, Mitsubishi, Healthway, Feilman Foundation, Tianqi Lithium, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation and the Bunning Family.
