Outreach
The Mini Maestros program is a unique concert and in-school educational program for children in grades 4-8. It was born out of Maestro John Daly Goodwin’s 15-year experience leading workshops on conducting and ensemble singing under the auspices of the New York Committee for Young Audiences. Maestro Goodwin introduces children to the music and composers they will hear, to the composition of a chorus and symphony orchestra, and to the basic techniques of conducting - turning the children into 'mini maestros'.
The goals of Mini Maestros are to:
• Create an understanding of, and personal experience with, the roles of the conductor, chorus, soloists, and orchestra.
• Provide an informal rehearsal experience featuring the New York Choral Society and the orchestra that is interactive, engaging, and educational.
• Offer an opportunity to attend a performance of the New York Choral Society and the orchestra at Carnegie Hall, with one of the child's parents or other family member. For most, this is a first-time experience.
The Mini Maestros program introduces students to the life of a professional musician through a four step process:
- Maestro Goodwin visits classrooms to introduce children to the music, the basics of a chorus and orchestra, and elementary techniques of conducting.
- Students are invited to attend a working rehearsal of the orchestra and chorus, with time available for Q & A with the orchestra members. Chorus members sit with the children giving them extra attention and help with the music.
- Students and their parents receive tickets to attend the performance at Carnegie Hall at no cost to them. For most of the students and their parents, this is their first experience hearing live orchestral music in this great space. The New York Choral Society makes sure the students and their parents have good seats for the performance, so that they can easily see the same performers they saw earlier at rehearsal.
- A few days after the concert, Maestro Goodwin visits the schools to discuss what the students saw and heard.
The success of the program is illustrated by the following letter from one of the first 'mini maestros': “Hi, New York Choral Society. Thank you for the great music of Mozart. It was a wonderful experience. ….. It was a special treat to be in a really famous place like Carnegie Hall and have a special evening with my parents.”
To learn more about supporting the Mini Maestros program, we invite you to view our sponsorship opportunities.
