At the International Symposium on Assessment in Music Education at the University of Florida on March 20, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra presented results of a recent assessment of its NBSO Learning in Concert program. The program, an in-school partnership between the NBSO and more than 50 elementary schools in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, integrates musical concepts alongside other art and academic areas that share the same concept, the theme for 2018-19 being “Resourceful Composer Resourceful Planet.” NBSO Education Director Terry Wolkowicz presented the findings, together with Ronald Sherwin, associate professor and chair of the Music Department at UMass Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Lynn Souza, director of Fine Arts for New Bedford Public Schools. Initial findings suggested that among the 134 local students participating in the program, less-privileged and under-achieving children demonstrated high academic growth from participating in the program, and average and high-achieving students benefited as well. The assessment project was made possible through funding awarded to the NBSO from the League of American Orchestras’ Futures Fund, which is made possible by the Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation.
Posted April 5, 2019
