The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra is delighted to announce that Union Savings Bank will sponsor the RSO’s Education & Outreach Initiative for the 2017-18 season.
“The RSO’s Education & Outreach Initiative programs are a way to touch the lives of students, seniors and members of SPHERE” says Executive Director Laurie Kenagy, “Union Savings Bank’s sponsorship makes it possible to help fulfill the RSO’s mission to increase music appreciation for people of all ages and abilities.”
As a participant in the Ridgefield Senior Gold Card program the RSO offers ten free tickets to RSO concerts on a first-come, first-served basis to cardholders. Whenever possible the RSO makes an additional allotment of tickets available to residents of Ballard Green, an independent living community subsidized under the Ridgefield Housing Authority. “We also have a great ongoing relationship with the Meadow Ridge retirement community” says Kenagy, “by bringing small ensemble performances and holding open rehearsals in the auditorium the residents are able to interact with our musicians and enjoy a live music experience in their home environment.”
Professional musicians from Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra visit local elementary schools and present lively interactive programs tailored to the grade level of music education. The Rotary Club of Ridgefield is an additional sponsor of the in-school programs. The RSO also provides programming in music appreciation and education in conjunction with the Ridgefield Public Library. Guest conductors and RSO board member Alexa Donaldson, owner of Sharps & Flats Music Conservatory in Ridgefield present engaging and informative programs prior to concerts. Visiting guest solo artists provide master classes at no charge to student musicians. In addition, the RSO makes it possible for school groups and their families to visit dress rehearsals to learn about what goes on behind the scenes and enhance their experience as audience members.
The innovative partnership between the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra and Ridgefield’s SPHERE (Special People Housing, Education, Recreation) is the only one of its kind nationwide. Through concert attendance as well as instruction and performance geared to those with developmental disabilities this partnership provides unique experiences with lasting and life-enriching benefits.
Ridgefield is the smallest town in the United States with a professional orchestra and for 53 years the RSO has been a vital part of the cultural community. Sponsorship like that of Union Savings Bank makes artistic and community outreach possible.