Reach Teach Play® – Teach Programs
Programs that TEACH the foundations of music and allow children to express themselves creatively
Music Discovery Program enhances K–3rd grade curriculum for 4,600 students in 30 Chicago Public Schools by providing teaching artists who lead multi-week, interactive musical residencies in the classroom, encouraging children to discover the joy of music and engage with education by participating in music-making.
The Music Discovery program recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and growth of impact from beginning in 10 schools in 1997. Near the end of each school year, after Ravinia’s teaching artists have introduced students to basic music concepts, activities, and songs in collaboration with their classroom teachers, the program culminates in an all-student performance at their school and a visit to Ravinia, where they perform on the Martin Theatre stage for their families and classes from other schools before picnicking in the park.
Burroughs Elementary School Class Act
Dive into Guest Artist Karen Banks-Lubicz’s presentation about being welcoming and embracing diversity. Burroughs Elementary School students learned basic music concepts with the book All Are Welcome Here by Alexandra Penfold.
Smyth Elementary School Class Act
Take a look at all the fun that Smyth Elementary School had in this one-of-a-kind performance! The theme of the residency and classroom performance was American Songbook music in movies past and present.
Catalyst Circle Rock Class Act
Watch Circle Rock students get down with Motown and learn some classic songs as they read Claudette’s Miraculous Motown Adventure by Claudette Robinson and A.K. Morris.
Frazier Elementary Class Act
Enjoy the classics with Frazier Elementary School students as they learn songs from legendary Chicago musicians and artists.
Professional Development Institute presents a three-day seminar series each August for 170 Chicago Public Elementary School teachers, as well as follow-up workshops in the fall and winter, to train and reinforce the teachers’ musical skills and provide resources for augmenting their lesson plans with music.
To learn more about Ravinia’s TEACH programs, contact Madelyn Tan-Cohen.
