NEWARK ARTS HIGH

In 1992, with the help of a grant from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Colonial Symphony began a "Partnership in the Arts" program at Newark Arts High. The heart of the program is the master class technique. In consultation with the school's music staff, the Colonial provides the professional musicians needed by current students. Two series of master classes are held. This process helps to instill discipline and professionalism in the student. School administrators have strong evidence that students demonstrate increased academic and social achievements as the result of participation in the program.

Colonial Symphony musicians further interact with the students when one or two of the orchestra's formal concert rehearsals during the year are held at Newark Arts High. During the rehearsal, music teachers bring students in to observe up close, with students often looking directly over the shoulders of the musicians and the conductor.

The culmination of the program is a joint concert held in the spring. In this, 10 to 20 Colonial Symphony musicians (depending on available funding) join the students. Significantly, the professional musicians do not take the first chair positions, but play supporting roles. It is an exhilarating experience, with the students rising to greater heights than they thought possible. Since the joint concert is preceded by a full rehearsal at Newark Arts High, the students have two opportunities to experience interaction. For the musicians, one proof of its value is the extensive gratitude they receive from parents and administrators each year.

This program has received major support from Schering-Plough Corporation, as well as the Frank & Lydia Bergen Foundation, Kraft Foods, and the Musicians' Guild of Essex County, in addition to support from the Colonial Symphony general operating budget, which is generously supported by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.