Education is a critical piece of the Playground mission. While all of our concerts have an educational component, we also offer specific programs tailored for all ages. We are regular performers, presenters and clinicians at area grade, middle and high schools as well as the Academy of Lifelong Learning- an organization bringing stimulating intellectual, and cultural opportunities to adults in the Denver area.
All of our educational programs are individually tailored to the needs of the audience, and can last from 30 to 90 minutes. The topics are presented with a combination of concert performance, lecture, demonstration, and interactive experience. In schools, we may attend music classes after the program for more in-depth discussion of the topics.
The members of the Playground are experienced educators, teaching in a variety of institutions in the Denver area. Many are on the faculty of the University of Denver's Lamont School of music, where the Playground is an Artist-in-Residence ensemble. We want to bring an event to your school, organization, or ensemble. To learn more or to schedule an event email playground@du.edu.
Education is a critical piece of the Playground mission. While all of our concerts have an educational component, we also offer specific programs tailored for all ages. We are regular performers, presenters and clinicians at area grade, middle and high schools as well as the Academy of Lifelong Learning- an organization bringing stimulating intellectual, and cultural opportunities to adults in the Denver area.
All of our educational programs are individually tailored to the needs of the audience, and can last from 30 to 90 minutes. The topics are presented with a combination of concert performance, lecture, demonstration, and interactive experience. In schools, we may attend music classes after the program for more in-depth discussion of the topics.
The members of the Playground are experienced educators, teaching in a variety of institutions in the Denver area. Many are on the faculty of the University of Denver's Lamont School of music, where the Playground is an Artist-in-Residence ensemble. We want to bring an event to your school, organization, or ensemble. To learn more or to schedule an event email playground@du.edu.
Very Young Composers After School Program- We are aggressively looking for partners for our new after school program. Created by Jon Deak, retired bass player of the New York Philharmonic, this after school program teaches students to compose based on storytelling and visual art. Done is 10, 12 or 15 week sessions, this program culminates with all students getting a performance by the professional players in the Playground.
Living Music, Living Composer- We believe it's especially important for young people to see classical music as a vibrant art form and not a museum piece. By not only introducing audiences to modern composers and their works, but also explaining the composers' techniques, effects, and underlying musical values, we increase our audience's interest and enjoyment in this vibrant and diverse repertoire and provide a satisfying and unique musical experience.
American Made- Very similar to "Living Music,..." this program features music by mostly American and very often Colorado based composers. Many members of our group are performers and composers. In getting to meet a living and local composer students are encouraged to think about creating their own music.
Sound Painting- Sound Painting is the live composing sign language created by New York composer Walter Thompson for musicians, dancers, actors, poets, and visual artists. This interactive event is perfect for smaller groups of musicians. We come in, teach the gestures and make music together.
Master Classes/ Classroom visits- Topics include compositional techniques and other theoretical issues, 20th century music history, performance techniques and non-standard effects, composers and repertoire, and software. We offer master classes for performers as well.
The Playground's education programs are quite flexible and many end up being a combination of the programs above. Let us design a program for you.
