BPO to Host Symposium for Music Education, 2/29

BUFFALO, NY - On Monday, Feb. 29, educators from Western New York will gather at Kleinhans Music Hall to exchange ideas and learn about methods of advocating for music education. This event is hosted by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

The day will begin with a welcome and call to action from BPO music director JoAnn Falletta, followed by a participatory Druminar from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Main Hall. Druminar gives workshops and seminars to corporations like M&T Bank to foster team building, leadership, diversity, communication and self-expression through participation in music-making. Through the interactive workshop, educators will get to experience music as a natural vehicle for building teamwork and leadership skills, cultural literacy, academic achievement and crucially, an engagement in learning.

The day will also include sessions with school building leadership expert Charles Stoddart of SUNY Fredonia and with recent graduates of the Buffalo Public Schools system who are now professional musicians. Breakfast and lunch are provided.

"All over Western New York, school districts are making decisions on next year's budget," said Robin Parkinson, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the BPO. "Through this symposium, we aim to give educators and administrators the tools to advocate successfully for the funding of music programs. Participation in music has been proven to benefit child development in every way, but too often, music programs are viewed as luxury items. It is our hope that attendees will leave the symposium with new energy to prove to their home districts that music programs are essential."

Excellent photo and video opportunities are available from 9 to 11 a.m. If you are interested in covering this event, please contact Kate Jenkins at kmockler@bpo.org or (716) 242-7819.

As Buffalo's cultural ambassador, the Grammy Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra under the leadership of music director JoAnn Falletta presents more than 100 concerts each year. Since 1940, the orchestra's home has been Kleinhans Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark with a reputation as one of the finest concert halls in the United States. During the tenure of JoAnn Falletta, the BPO has rekindled its history of radio broadcasts and recordings, including the release of 36 new recordings on the Naxos and Beau Fleuve labels. For more information about the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, visit www.bpo.org.