Artist In Residence
Founded in 2002, the Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program introduces music to at-risk youth in the Wheeling community. Due to the high cost of musical
training and personal economic circumstances of these children, the vast majority of them might not otherwise experience the joy and discipline that
music inspires if not for this program. It is the mission of the AIR program to teach participants the basic elements of vocal and hands-on instrumental music, while instilling in them greater self-confidence and added incentives for excelling in academic settings. Tests show that music awareness can lead to higher standardized test scores and enhanced self esteem and perhaps most importantly, that it serves as an effective channel for self-expression. Music allows these children to express their emotions in a positive way and helps deter self-destructive behaviors and violence.
The 2010-2011 AIR program reaches approximately 150 youngsters at the Laughlin Memorial Chapel, the Anchor Programs at Madison Elementary and
Triadelphia Middle School, and Wheeling Catholic School. This Program would not be possible without the great generosity of its sponsors: the Robinson
S. Parlin Trust, administered by WesBanco Trust and Investment Services, the Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe Foundation and one additional foundation that
wishes to remain anonymous.
Following are some detailed descriptions about current Artist In Residence Program activities:
At Laughlin Chapel:
Children in the lower grades each received a recorder on which they learned to play many melodies. The older students had the options to play the recorder, further their band instrument or string instrument studies, or play in the African Hand Drum group known as the Young Lions. This past year the program purchased electronic keyboards and guitars and offered these additional choices to the older Laughlin Chapel students. For the first time a guitar class was opened up to high school students, with 11 students signing up for guitar and three for keyboard. The guitarists got to keep the guitars to take home and practice throughout the school year. There was also an option to purchase the guitar at a discount should they want to own the instrument.
At the Anchor Program:
Madison School’s Anchor program saw another successful year of progression of after school music. The birth of the guitar program began here and has been so successful that it has grown into two separate classes, one for beginners and one for second year players. Because many of the students want to continue playing after graduating from Madison, the guitar program was extended to Triadelphia Middle School’s Anchor program. Students enjoy performing at local nursing homes, especially at Christmas.
The Symphony City web site is an educational initiative designed to help the Wheeling Symphony reach new audiences and to promote arts accessibility. The project was created to enhance programs through technology for middle school music teachers who have limited time and resources to meet both national and state Content Standard Objectives for their students. The goal of the site is to provide middle school students throughout the state, and conceivably, throughout the English-speaking world, with a fun, engaging way to learn about various aspects of music and the symphony, from watching interviews with composers and musicians to learning how to distinguish and appreciate various instruments and families of the orchestra.
Follow the link to explore our “Symphony City”: city.wheelingsyphony.org
