March 20, 2015
ALUMNI OF THE PERLMAN MUSIC PROGRAM
BRING CLASSICAL MUSIC INTO THE CLASSROOM
The Perlman Music Program extends its mission to support the future of classical music
by engaging students in local schools during its annual visit to Palm Beach
PALM BEACH, FL – The Perlman Music Program (PMP), an internationally renowned music program based in New York, sponsored hands-on outreach sessions for local elementary school students on Thursday, March 12 in Palm Beach. PMP artists Areta Zhulla (violin), Molly Carr (viola) and Brook Speltz (cello), with PMP associate director Merry Peckham, engaged students at the Palm Beach Day Academy and the Palm Beach Public Strings Program with thrilling performances, musical fairytales, and open question and answer sessions.
During four sessions at the schools, the PMP artists performed and taught groups of students ranging in age from 5 to 12. While some were young string players, others had less experience with classical music, and the PMP alumni and faculty carefully tailored each event. The artists introduced their instruments, performed a fairytale concert written by violist Molly Carr and narrated by Merry Peckham, and led a Q&A session. As a special treat for the young string players of the Palm Beach Public Strings Program, the PMP musicians sat in and played with their string orchestra, and offered helpful tips such as listening for the rhythms of the low string sections and communicating with their stand partners. To conclude the final session with the string students, two very special guests – PMP founder Toby Perlman, and faculty member and world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman – made an unforgettable surprise visit and spoke to the students about the most important things in mu sic and the right way to practice. Throughout the day, the children grew eager to learn about string instruments and classical music, and those already playing were inspired by the PMP alumni to continue a lifetime in music.
New this year to the PMP residency in Palm Beach, the outreach sessions were initiated by local Palm Beach arts philanthropist and PMP board member Vicki Kellogg, who remarked “We are thrilled to introduce The Perlman Music Program and classical music to local schools during PMP’s annual trip to Palm Beach. Merry Peckham and the PMP alumni performers created a magical experience for our children, and we hope to continue this long into the future.”
PMP founder Toby Perlman said, “The Perlman Music Program is proud to lead outreach events whenever we can. This valuable component of the program instills in PMP students and alumni the value of giving back, and introduces classical music to hundreds of students each year. From our Annual Family Concert at our Shelter Island campus to our visit today in the Palm Beach schools, PMP is committed to developing audiences for classical music for generations to come. ”
The Perlman Music Program sends special thanks to board member Vicki Kellogg, associate director Merry Peckham, alumni Areta Zhulla, Molly Carr and Brook Speltz, Palm Beach Public Strings Program Director Andy Matzkow and Palm Beach Day Academy Upper School Head Marisa Schnirman for their efforts that made the outreach events of March 12 in Palm Beach possible.
ABOUT THE PERLMAN MUSIC PROGRAM
Founded by Toby Perlman 21 years ago, The Perlman Music Program (PMP) offers unparalleled musical training to young string players of rare and special talent. With a world-class faculty led by Itzhak Perlman and a signature summer program in the Hamaptons, PMP is developing the future leaders of classical music within a nurturing and supportive community. To learn more, visit www.perlmanmusicprogram.org.