Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) will host an “Open House” on Sunday, June 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Eastman School of Music. Students of all ages are invited to a hands-on experience of ECMS. Learn more about the school, explore musical possibilities, and even sign up for lessons, classes, and ensembles. The open house concludes a ten-day festival in which ECMS students showcase their accomplishments in a series of free recitals and concerts, known as Springfest. From May 24 through June 3, Rochester music lovers can attend an array of performances, free and open to the public, from choruses to chamber music to jazz sessions.
“In this day and time, when we are used to getting information virtually, there are so few opportunities to meet instructors in person and ask questions about the lessons, classes, and ensembles we offer – and that is what makes the ECMS Open House so valuable,” says Eastman Community Music School Director Petar Kodzas. “Most children don’t know what instrument attracts them until they see and touch the actual instrument and experience its unique sound quality first-hand. Parents will be able to experience our faculty members sharing their art with students and see directly the innovative teaching methods they employ. And just perhaps, parents might decide to enroll in lessons for adults too!”
Highlights of the Open House include:
- An instrument petting zoo
- Demonstrations and booths with faculty members and students from all ECMS departments (Piano, Jazz, Strings, Theory, Voice, Winds/Brass/Percussion)
- A raffle
- ECMS catalog launch party with new class demonstrations
- Performances by ECMS students and faculty members
- A preview of newly renovated Messinger Hall, to open to ECMS students and faculty in September 2018
- In addition, from 4 to 7 p.m., there will be ensemble placements and auditions for students wishing to join ECMS ensembles (such as jazz, strings, chamber music, and choruses), as well as optional placement tests for theory and musicianship courses. Interested students should call 585-274-1400 to reserve placement times.
The Eastman Community Music School has been an integral part of the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, and the Rochester community, since its opening in 1921. For a full list of Open House festivities and Springfest performances please visit: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/community/
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About Eastman Community Music School:
The Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) provides opportunities for community members to learn, discuss, and celebrate music. As one of Eastman’s primary connections to the greater Rochester community since 1921, the school offers music lessons, ensembles, classes, and workshops to student of all ages and backgrounds. ECMS serves an average of 1,600 students per year ranging in age from 4 months to 92 years old. From pre-school and early childhood programs, to college prep and diploma programs, to adult ensembles and classes, ECMS nurtures and inspires students at all levels.
About Eastman School of Music:
The Eastman School of Music was founded in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman (1854-1932), founder of Eastman Kodak Company. It was the first professional school of the University of Rochester. Mr. Eastman’s dream was that his school would provide a broad education in the liberal arts as well as superb musical training. The current dean is Jamal Rossi, appointed in 2014.
About 900 students are enrolled in Eastman’s Collegiate Division—about 500 undergraduate and 400 graduate students. Students come from almost every state, and approximately 20 percent are from other countries. They are guided by more than 95 full-time faculty members. Six alumni and three faculty members have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music, as have numerous GRAMMYÒ Awards. Each year, Eastman’s students, faculty members, and guest artists present more than 700 concerts to the Rochester community.