NC Cultural Resources Newsroom

Congressman David Price Sponsors Successful Appropriation

The North Carolina Symphony has announced a major new initiative of its renowned statewide music education program in partnership with the North Carolina Community Colleges.

 David Chambless Worters, President & CEO of the Symphony, remarked, “Thanks to the good work of Congressman Price and the leadership of President Lancaster, the Symphony is going to be able to take its statewide programming to a whole new level.  This is about our ability to jump-start a program that could be transformational for the Symphony in how it works throughout North Carolina.”

 A federal investment of $167,030 was secured by Rep. David Price (D-NC-04) to initiate the new outreach project.  The funding was designated through the Fund for the Improvement of Education program, an account within the Department of Education’s 2008 budget.  It will permit the Symphony to do outreach to communities to which the full Symphony may not be able to travel.  Short-term residencies for soloists and small ensembles will expose a broad audience to the incredible talent of players in the Symphony.  These residencies would be hosted by a community college in most instances, but from time to time a local public school system may be the host.  In addition to performances for public school and community college students, public performances will be a part of the residency as well.  Depending on the music programs at a college or school system, master classes for advanced students might be scheduled.  Performances at large civic clubs might also be on the agenda.  The important thing about these Symphony appearances in these communities will be the exposure of talented musicians to small and rural communities and vice versa.

H. Martin Lancaster, President of the North Carolina Community College System since 1997, observed, “For 24 years community colleges hosted visiting artists which brought the arts to audiences all over the state who might otherwise never be exposed to professional artists, especially in their communities.  This will be a similar opportunity for cultural growth in our communities.  I am pleased that this opportunity has been made possible through funding acquired by Congressman Price and that we can announce it before my retirement later this week.”

 As the first continuously state-funded orchestra in the nation, the North Carolina Symphony has long been known for its commitment to music education for the state’s young people, a record unmatched by any other American orchestra.  Symphony Director of Education and Community Engagement Kathryn Wyatt explains, “Depending on a community college’s individual needs, programs could include master classes, lectures, chamber music performances, and interactive sessions with conductors and artists.  The program will be entirely collaborative and based on the needs of individual communities.”

The project will emphasize geographic diversity as well as rural and underserved communities. The Symphony will work with the community college system to determine host communities and venues and determine a routing that maximizes the benefits of the project and matches artistic programs with specific populations.

Rep. Price remarked, “Studies have shown that providing artistic opportunities improves academic performance among our students.  I’m excited to be involved in this important educational effort, and I commend the Symphony and Community Colleges for their collaborative vision and look forward to this program’s success throughout the state.”