Saturday, March 27, 2010

Perfect Harmony: Orchestrating Cultural Partnerships

Presenter: Dr. Sherry Baker,Community Education Coord., Lexington (KY) PL

This program discussed the community partners used by Lexington for their musical programs, especially the partnership with the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra. None of these program were held in the library, but took place in community centers, churches and senior centers. The idea behind their outreach program is "the branch without walls." Motto: "bringing the library to you."

Recent outreach programs: New Horizons band which partners with seniors; puppets and partners for children's storytimes

challenges:

Their partners were not always excited about the library programming, so she used her background in music to partner with outstanding arts partners to create engaging programming for kids

Key is to find the right person to contact within the organization and discuss partnership

What does the library offer the organization?
What are the expectations of the partnership?
What are the materials needed and who will supply them?
Whether there will be payment needed; put it in writing

Program Plan
length of series (i.e. 6 weeks)
purpose to experience the elements of mucis first-hand
format of each program: read a picture book that introduces musical element
use instruments to explore that element
Culminates in a visit from the Instrument Petting Zoo from the Lex Phil on the final week

Remember to include library materials!

Materials:

simple percussion instruments, drums, shakers, recorders. simple cleaning supplies. library books

Budget:

discussed wants with two local music stores, attained estimates

determined need of around $500 for instruments

request program support from Friends

Lesson plans:

concept: what is music? book and music that related

culminating event was a community event: children and parents participated

kids got experience with instruments

Music Discovery series

Other partnerships:

children's theater

Mamma mia (senior residences and nursing homes)

New Horizons Band; chamber performances for music discussion grps (seniors)

programs held at community centers and section housing part of town

use contract

look for these groups in your town looking for performance experiences (colleges)

new horizons for older adults who have no music experience/ways to work together/bring to senior discussion group

brainstorming:

identify 5 cultural institutions in your community

Identify 3 interests that you have: what do you enjoy in your leisure time?

intersection: the place to start

This program covered pretty much the same information that we already know. The only new info was the New Horizons Band and I'm going to check on this to see if we have a chapter in our area. It might be a useful way to reach a new segment of older adults and it would fit in just right with our performing arts focus.

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