Outreach Program

An important part of the New York City Master Chorale’s mission is to perform regular outreach in the community. The Chorale focuses on two major outreach efforts through its Community Arts Access Program: music performances in local churches and community centers for those who might not otherwise be able to attend concerts and arts education programs in local public schools.

In the Community

Each season, the Chorale visits various community groups, performing selections from its repertoire at no-cost to community members. The Chorale is proud to perform these outreach concerts and make live classical music accessible to all members of the community.

During the 2010 - 2011 season, Dr. Kano collaborated with a community choir from the non-profit organization Fedcap Rehabilitative Services, an organization that assists individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment join the workforce. Dr. Kano held workshops with the Fedcap choir throughout the season and led the Fedcap singers in special performances. The Fedcap singers were invited to attend the Chorale's rehearsals and performances as guests of the Chorale.

Arts Education

Through the arts education program, Dr. Kano and singers from the Chorale regularly visit local public schools to provide much-needed arts workshops. This program, unique to the choral arts world in New York City, has reached over 1000 students since its inception in the 2006-07 season.

Due to budget limitations in public schools, many students, particularly those in low-income settings, do not have the opportunity to participate in music classes. Prior to each concert of the season, the Chorale goes into these schools to teach a series of arts education lessons. Dr. Kano personally visits several classrooms, where she educates students about the role of classical music. The Chorale also leads several Adopt-a-School Days in which members of the Chorale join Dr. Kano to perform for students and lead highly-dynamic interdisciplinary lessons, giving students exposure to the arts. Students who participate in all of these lessons receive free tickets to the Chorale’s concerts.

Most of the students who benefit from these lessons and attend the Chorale’s concerts have had little to no exposure to classical music and many claimed not to enjoy classical music prior to the concert. One high school student said, “Before the concert I thought classical music was really boring and I never listened to it except if someone played it for me. But now I think classical music make me feel relaxed and calm.”

Students have also said that attending one of the Chorale’s concerts changed their understanding of classical music. As one sixth grade articulately described, “My perception of classical music changed drastically because I now like this music.”

For More Information

To learn more or invite NYCMC into your community or classroom, please contact us.