FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2020
Contact: Rob Enslin, 315.559.8115
rmenslin@syr.edu
Music for People, Success Enrichment Group Launch Pilot Program for CNY Homeschoolers
Local homeschoolers will learn the art of creative self-expression, thanks to a new pilot program between the worldwide Music for People (MfP) organization and the Success Enrichment Group (SEG) in Fayetteville, New York.
Starting in February, SEG’s Elementary Choir and Music Program will offer a four-month course called the “International Music Laboratory Classroom.” Members of the Syracuse branch of MfP will facilitate the weekly course, whose curriculum is tailored to students ages 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12.
Organizers say the course includes games and activities that are scientifically proven to foster creativity and innovation, encourage self-expression, promote pattern recognition, and boost brain function and connectivity. “There is long-standing research showing a strong connection between music participation and academic success,” says SEG Founder and Director Juliet Wall.
SEG is a successful homeschool cooperative, led by a team of professionals and parent volunteers. For more information, visit www.successenrichment.com.
Alina Plourde, director of MfP-Syracuse, approached SEG in December with the idea of a mutually beneficial partnership. An Eastman-trained teacher and oboist, she considers music a springboard for self-discovery and community-building.
“Age, background and skill level have nothing to do with self-expression,” says Plourde, also a regional trainer for MfP’s Musicianship and Leadership Program (MLP). “There are no wrong notes because everyone has a story to tell that’s uniquely theirs.”
The “International Music Laboratory Classroom” will feature a rotating cast of MLP teaching artists supervised by Plourde. They will lead students in age-appropriate improvisation activities, including singing, drumming, playing, dancing and creative movement.
“Having teaching artists on-site will add an extra layer of support and creativity to the program, allowing for more differentiated instruction. They will inspire our students to let loose their imagination and talent,” Wall says.
Increased self-confidence, enhanced communication skills and improved cognition are some of the many benefits of an arts education, explains MfP Teaching Artist Laura Enslin.
“We take a mindful approach to music making, beginning with ‘One Quality Sound’—a note or tone that expresses how we feel in the moment. For anyone, especially a child, the MfP experience is empowering,” says the Eastman-trained soprano, who also teaches music at SEG.
MfP has been a pioneer of inclusive, experimental music education since Grammy Award-winning cellist David Darling co-founded it more than 30 years ago. Today, MfP is embraced by performers, educators, music therapists and wellness practitioners worldwide. More information is at www.musicforpeople.org.
MfP-Syracuse is the organization’s newest regional chapter, providing an array of learning and performing opportunities, some of which are open to the public.
Part of the funding from the initial phase of the collaboration will go toward MfP-Syracuse’s burgeoning instrumental library. “The instruments will be used by MfP staff and teaching artists when they’re working with SEG homeschoolers,” Plourde says.
Adds Wall: “This means our students will have more opportunities to explore, create and succeed.”
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