The Minnesota Sinfonia visited Horace Mann on February 18, 2009 through the generous support of our fantastic PTA. Their performance concluded several months of listening to and talking about music from composers like Dvorak, Debussy, Ponce, and Telemann. We incorporated classical music into our curricula for several months. From a CD which familiarized students with the concert program, to a curriculum guide that linked the music to core content learning units, to classroom visits by the musicians and performances for the entire student body, the Sinfonia supported classical music and enhanced learning.

The orchestra did not just show up, play a concert, and leave. Artistic Director Jay Fishman attended a staff meeting to introduce the orchestra’s program and curriculum. On the day of the orchestra visit, each classroom hosted a 10-15 minute session by one of the musicians. This “personal” time let students get to know the performer as “a regular person” who followed his/her dream to become a professional musician.

The Sinfonia performed two 45-minute concerts, one for the primary grades and another for the intermediate. The program includeed lively interaction between students and the conductor, along with special guest vocalist and story-teller, Kathleen Hardy.  The second grader choir also performed Mr. Sun and Kid's Earth Promise Song with the Sinfonia, making the performances truly exciting and inclusive experiences.