CHIME empowers young people to develop a strong sense of personal identity and community through ensemble-based music instruction. Music is the tool through which students strengthen positive character attributes such as discipline, dedication, and respect. Students learn how to work together while also improving their academic, critical thinking, and leadership skills.
At each stage, students expand their musical abilities through individualized instruction, ensemble practice, improvisation and peer mentorship. Students at the Espressivo level successfully matriculate into one of ESYO’s auditioned ensembles, perform in chamber groups, and engage in regional and national opportunities. Many Espressivo students are members of ESYO’s Youth Leadership Development program.
The Amplify Our Voice (AOV) initiative offers CHIMEstudents a platform to explore and process sharedexperiences, and amplify their voices to the world.Each year, through reflection, improvisation, and creative experimentation, students collaborate with a guest composer to craft an original, multi-level composition that they proudly premiere for the community at the end of the CHIME season.
CHIME serves 25+ children in grades 1-3 at Yates Arts in Education Magnet School in Schenectady, NY. This site provides children with a musical foundation on stringed instruments. Daily instruction from 2:15-4:00pm includes small group lessons, full ensemble rehearsals, choir, general music classes and supervised practice. “First Friday” concerts occur on site for family and friends. Community performances and “side-by-sides” with ESYO ensembles occur throughout the school year.
CHIME at Yates is open to children who attend the school; a lottery system is used to place children in available spots, with preference given to children with the greatest financial need.
Located at the Adeline Graham Theatrical Training and Innovation Center (The Addy) at Proctors, CHIME at Proctors is open to all middle schools students (grades 6-8) in the Schenectady City School District as well as current CHIME musicians in grades 4-5 who have shown enough skill development to advance into this more advanced program. District busses transport students from their school to the program and home again, providing members three hours of intensive music instruction five days per week.
CHIME at Proctors includes a full symphonic orchestra, and offers musicians comprehensive support and training they need to transition to one of ESYO’s performing ensembles. “First Friday” concerts occur on site for family and friends. Community performances and “side-by-sides” with ESYO ensembles occur throughout the year.
The program is through application only, including a personal statement and teacher recommendation.
CHIME’s success is due, in large part, to the strength of its community partnerships. ESYO is grateful for the trust, support and resources it enjoys from each of these groups, and recognizes each as a key component in CHIME’s continued growth and sustainability.
Proctors is a thriving performing and educational arts space located in the heart of Schenectady. ESYO has its administrative offices at Proctors, and has held annual performances on the main stage for the past 30 years. Proctors staff have provided guidance regarding program implementation in the Schenectady City School District, particularly in how to establish a sustainable funding model for CHIME. Proctors houses the intermediate and advanced CHIME ensembles in its newly constructed third floor performance space as well as ESYO’s introductory performing string groups.
John Keal Music Co. John Keal has supported ESYO for decades by providing music folders, setting up musical petting zoos at ESYO events and placing advertisements in ESYO programs. Huge advocates of Sistema-inspired programs, John Keal is committed to providing rental instruments and repairs for the CHIME program at a generous discount.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Albany Symphony Orchestra (ASO), and the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra (SSO) all provide free tickets for CHIME students to a variety of performances and arrange for residencies with guest artists; ASO and SSO musicians also serve as guest teachers and coaches.
Empire State Youth Orchestra
45 MacArthur Drive,
Schenectady, NY,
12302
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