Programs
AWB in cooperation with Billings and Bozeman area music teachers has initiated the following programs:
Guest Artist Program:
AWB has begun a series of guest artist programs that creates opportunities for students to experience concerts and classroom instruction by nationally recognized artists. The AWB Billings outreach program facilitates and funds a guest artist program to bring nationally and internationally recognized artists to Billings. While quality concerts come to Billings, many families cannot afford to purchase tickets for the family to attend. AWB concerts are funded by AWB and complimentary to the community enabling families to share the musical experience together. There will also be performances by local students at these concerts. In addition, guest artists will work with the students in the schools during their stay.
Mentoring Program: Bozeman’s Music Camp for All
AWB has teamed with Bozeman Public Schools and Montana State University to bring band, orchestra and voice instruction to interested music students. How does the program work? AWB is funding scholarships for students from the Montana State University School of Music to mentor 5th grade and middle school aged students one day a week for seven weeks beginning January 24th. The classes will take place after school on Tuesdays at Chief Joseph Middle School, and on Wednesdays at Sacajewea Middle School. The lessons are free to all students who wish to participate. We are pleased to announce that nearly 160 Bozeman school kids are enrolled in our first session!
Mentoring Program: Billings
AWB, in partnership with the school music program, has begun a program in which Billings high school music students will be matched with lower grade students offering instruction and encouragement. This program will provide quality, low cost instruction – the high school students will receive scholarships for their participation. This program will also provide a learning experience for the students instructors and a role model for the younger students. Additional instruction and oversight is provided by experienced teachers. The administration of this activity will be coordinated by the school system and funded by AWB.
After School Master Class Program:
The goal of the after school program is to augment existing school programs and to enhance the experience of students. Billings currently has many talented music teachers giving one-on-one private lessons in their specialty area. This program is intended to place a much larger percentage of music students in front of these teachers. In these master classes professional instructors of an instrument teach a group of students playing similar instruments. Students are able to discuss and play techniques specific to that instrument. Also during these sessions, students are divided into small mixed ensembles ranging from 5 to 15 members. The same group of professional instructors will be working with the ensembles. The ensembles will concentrate on tone, blend, balance, intonation, phrasing and many other concepts that are stressed in their school band or orchestra classes. Working in a much smaller setting affords the opportunity to delve into more detail than is possible in a classroom. Instruction is supported by AWB providing access for all music students.
Loaned instrument program:
AWB supports the importance of quality instruments for students. High quality instruments are easier to play, sound better, and last for decades. AWB will fund the placement of quality instruments in the schools’ loaned instrument program.
Community Support is Critical
Classroom instruction, while vital, is not sufficient by itself – individual and small group instruction is necessary. AWB in partnership with teachers and students will facilitate after school instruction. Access to and instruction by nationally recognized artists is a proven inspiration for students. Many families simply cannot afford private instruction for all of their children or attend concerts as a family. By creating access to quality instruction and quality instruments for all students, all students will have the opportunity to remain competitive and will be more likely to stay involved with a music program.
We need community support – we need your support. Please get involved and make a difference. Arts Without Boundaries Foundation is a non profit organization. For more information, please contact Brooke Weaver, Managing Director.