OUTREACH

Part of the mission of the Asheville Chamber Music Series is to expand the audience for chamber music in our community. In keeping with that mission ACMS created a robust Educational Outreach Program to reach out to the next generation, expand music opportunities for area students, and inspire a lifelong love of music.

Concert Access

To make world class chamber performances accessible to families and students alike we offer free admission for youth under age 25 to all ACMS concerts at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville (subject to availability at time of concert, no reservations). Youth under age 25 can purchase tickets to our Diana Wortham Theatre concerts for $5 (purchase from DWT).

ACMS In Public Schools

ACMS is proud to sponsor the local Opal Quartet to work in area public schools. Members of the Opal String Quartet assist school string instructors by providing “hands on” instruction, as well as inspiring performances to students in the string program.

ACMS In Public Schools works with Asheville and Buncombe County Intermediate, Middle and High Schools including: Koontz IS, Valley Springs MS, TC Roberson HS; Cane Creek MS, AC Reynolds HS; Windy Ridge IS, N. Buncombe MS, North Buncombe HS; and Erwin MS and Erwin HS.

The program has had a remarkable impact. Paul Zinke, music teacher at T.C. Roberson HS, Valley Springs MS and Koontz IS commented on how the posture, bow holds, intonation and general musicality of his students have improved as a result of these collaborations with professional musicians.

Master Classes

Every year ACMS arranges master class opportunities with select guest ensembles. In these music master classes, the highly proficient artists work with a small ensemble of students in front of an audience. The intention is to provide a learning opportunity for performers as well as observers. New ideas are often presented to the students and concepts are expressed in a different manner from what the students are accustomed to which frequently results in an “ah-ha” moment or experience.

These classes are open to the public and are typically free of charge. They provide a new way of experiencing music for performers and audience members alike, and the chance to see a master teacher at work.