JUMP Concert featured Shepherd School students in Duncan Recital Hall on April 10, 2008
JUMP will be presenting two inreach performances in Duncan Recital Hall at the Shepherd School of Music. On April 10, members of the Shepherd School voice department will present short dramatic opera scenes and classical songs. On April 24, a different ensemble will present a piece that tells a story through music. Following these explorations of music in a dramatic context, musicians from Rice will play an instrumental piece (different for each JUMP performance) in order to help the audience create a story plot based on the music. The performances will culminate with a repeat of the instrumental piece with the audience's invented story narrated by one of the singers.
The inreach (in-house outreach concerts) concept was conceived by students and faculty from the wind chamber music class at the Shepherd School. Student coordinators soon expanded the program to include student performers from all departments at the school. Each year two graduate students coordinate JUMP! as an independent study course. In the process, they learn such valuable skills as concert programming, production, promotion, presentation and peer mentoring.
Rachel Buchman, head of the Young Children’s Division at the the Shepherd School, teaches participating students the special performing skills needed to create a fun and informative classical music experience. Other Shepherd School faculty coach the chamber music groups and advise student leaders on planning and administration.
All concerts are free of charge, but by reservation only. All six inreach concerts are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoons.
Student coordinators find many benefits come from the JUMP! program. Sharing music with children is exciting, energizing, and brings a fresh perspective to their art. In addition to attending a free concert in the intimate setting of Duncan Recital Hall, some school groups include a campus tour in their visit to Rice.
For many, it is their first experience on a college campus. As one faculty member observed, “Who knows what dreams can come from these experiences? If even one or two children can be inspired to go to college, it will be worth it.”