Beginning its 20th season, this free beginner music education program—a collaboration with Carnegie Hall—pairs WMS with 50 area schools in six West Michigan counties. Students in grades 3-5 learn to play music on the recorder and gain an understanding of orchestral repertoire. They benefit from regular contact with classroom visits from Music Mentors from the Orchestra. The program culminates with an interactive concert at the Frauenthal Center during which students perform on recorders along with the Symphony.
Our newest activity, this beginning string program for underserved students launched in 2022 in Muskegon elementary schools. Students receive use of a musical instrument and participate in afterschool group lessons from experienced and dedicated teaching artists. Embedded within the 21st CCLC IMPACT after school program, Tune Up expands during 2023/24 into Middle School.