Sedona Chamber Music Society Inc

For the part of our mission that provides music education program for schoolchildren in Sedona and the Verde Valley, these are the goals and approaches underway:
1. Develop technical, interpretive, listening, theoretical, analysis and performance skills both in the ensemble and individually
Instructors practice routine assessments of students’ individual and group level of preparation and development using industry accepted standard rubrics in the field of orchestral strings education that address posture, tone, left/right hand technique, bow technique, style, musical interpretation, sensitive listening, musicality, proper concert etiquette, best practice habits, etc.
Instructors provide regular, thoughtful, constructive verbal feedback to individuals and ensemble groups to ensure student success and growth.
Students are regularly asked to practice self-assessment, through verbal analysis of rehearsal/performance, and with the use of recordings and technology, resulting in increased self-reflection, growth and progress of the individual or ensemble.
Instructors document advancement toward goal achievement and outcomes through regular staff meetings to review program plans, student progress, and adjust where needed.
2. Promote the development of life skills such as teamwork, empathy, discipline, confidence, poise, and perseverance
Instructors observe students working together to problem solve.
Older students volunteer time to help the younger children during rehearsals.
Students demonstrate consistent and goal-oriented practice habits evident in rehearsal and performance preparation.
Students take time and show patience while persevering through difficult musical passages.
Students practice kindness, tolerance, respect and acceptance for all peers and teachers despite differences in learning styles and demographic circumstances.
Students exhibit poise and confidence both on and off stage.
3. Supplement music programs in schools to provide dedicated students a more challenging and rigorous musical learning environment
Students are given the rare opportunity to attend rehearsals, masterclasses and performances of world class musicians brought to Sedona by Chamber Music Sedona. Success is measured with a goal of 90%-100% attendance rate.
Students who participate in SCYO attend a variety of schools in the area. Some schools offer strings programs, but may not be comprehensive enough to fully challenge our most advanced learners, or may not offer ensemble classes at all. Some schools have no music programs. Additionally, we have some students who are home-schooled, or are enrolled in online school. SCYO succeeds in providing those students with a challenging, engaging and enriching orchestral strings program beyond what their respective schools offer.
Having students participate from a variety of schools helps bring our young community together, thus building strong relationships and friendships to which they might not otherwise be exposed.

For the music education program for schoolchildren, the following are the strategies and tactics being employed currently:
The solution: A grant and donor-funded music lessons and string orchestra program. Over the years, the Arizona Legislature has systematically reduced funding for public schools. First to go were essential arts programs so important to whole brain learning for children. The Sedona school music program, developed over years with support from Chamber Music Sedona and other community organizations, has faltered as the local schools have failed to keep music teachers for a consistent program. This CMS program will help support the effort by the school system to restore music education. The two teachers heading this program are experienced local music teachers who helped create some of the original school music programming before funding cuts decimated arts in the schools and eliminated the music lessons.
Children Served: The funds from this matching grant will be used to help provide music lessons and string orchestra sessions for at least 30 students (K-12) who deserve, but cannot afford, the learning opportunity. The Sedona Schools are Title 1 schools. Sedona schools have a diverse population with 65% minority and 62% eligible for-free or reduced cost meals. In addition to the expected benefits of music lessons, students will also learn team building, poise, and personal leadership while participating in the string orchestra sessions.
Timeframe: The 40-week program will begin with the 2023-24 school year. It will be aligned with the school learning objectives and the extended learning afterschool program. All funds raised will help pay for the lesson fees and other student expenses. The school administrators agree with educational studies that incorporating the arts and music into schooling enhances brain development and learning for students from their earliest years. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that early, consistent involvement with music enhances learning among children and helps them engage more fully with STEM, science, technology, engineering and math. This program is intended to continue to build a vibrant music arts program for Sedona schools and the local community.
The Community: The school music education, concerts and workshops continue the CMS mission to provide the children of Sedona with quality “Whole Child Learning” opportunities and artistic experiences that can last a lifetime. In this time of extreme underfunding by the state government, Sedona school teachers and administrators have informed us that our support of Sedona schools is crucial. The generous funding by ACF of Sedona, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, the City of Sedona, Sedona Arts Festival and Visual Artists Coalition, other grantors and local donors make these critical educational projects possible.