Since opening its doors in 2010, a central piece of KIPP Impact Middle School’s core curriculum has been instrumental music training for every student, every day. The school’s bands are developing well and received a rating of “excellent” in the 2012 music assessment.
As a result of a collaboration between KIPP and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, KIPP’s most motivated students will now also have an intimate and inspiring exposure to the world of Jacksonville’s most esteemed musicians.
Through the pilot program, KIPP will choose 8 to 10 exceptional music students each semester to be invited to Jacoby Hall for dinner and three concerts. These experiences are designed to be substantive and engaging, above and beyond typical concert attendance.
The Symphony is generously providing the tickets for the concerts and the space for dinner. An anonymous donor is funding the meals. Tuba player James Jenkins, in photograph, met with KIPP students March 13th at Jacoby Hall prior to the concert and provided a back stage, and on-stage, tour. His conversation with students continued through dinner, then KIPPsters were publicly welcomed by the announcer at the start of the concert.
Future plans include bringing JSO musicians to KIPP to speak to a larger group of student musicians about what it takes to advance a musical career, and to describe practices and programs that may help KIPP students to become better musicians. KIPP students have attended two concerts thus far – one in February and one in March.
For more information, please contact Director of Development Kim Grant at 683-6643 or [email protected].