Sunriver Music Festival busy with educational programs

While Sunriver’s Great Hall is silent now that the Sunriver Music Festival’s summer concerts have passed for this year, music continues in the halls of South Deschutes County schools, thanks to the Festival’s commitment to youth education.

Nurturing the next generation of artistic talent has been a commitment of the Sunriver Music Festival ever since its birth 40 years ago. This focus is alive and well because of two ongoing programs.

THE YOUNG ARTISTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM – During its 22-year history, the festival’s Young Artists Scholarship program has awarded nearly $475,000 in scholarships to 142 Central Oregon classical music students pursuing advanced studies.

IN-SCHOOL YOUTH PROGRAMS – Sunriver and La Pine schools both enjoy art and music education thanks in part to a Sunriver Music Festival’s partnership.

At Sunriver’s Three Rivers School, in addition to elective Band and Choir and Guitar classes, every student has music classes as part of their regular curriculum, taught by Rebekka Nores.

The Festival has also help purchase and maintain instruments and accessories, band chairs, printed music, and much more, with the help of grants from Sunriver Women’s Club, Sunriver Rotary, First Interstate Bank, and others.

The After School Orchestra is the newest way the Festival is sharing music with Sunriver youth. AJ Jimenez is introducing 12-20 kids, mostly 4th and 5th graders, to violin, viola, and cello. These kids, most of whom have never played an instrument before, learn the basics of music reading and technique, and have multiple performances throughout the school year.

In addition to programs at Three Rivers, the Festival also supports numerous La Pine Middle and High School programs.

La Pine Middle & High School Bands : Taught by Michael Chavarin, the band program has grown to 90 students and includes students from 6th to 12th grade. Over the past three years, the Festival has assisted with band instrument purchases and repairs, band chairs, music stands, print music, instructional keyboards and matching band t-shirts for performances. Artists in Residence : Art classes have welcomed professionals in photography, printmaking, papermaking, and more, leading special multi-week residences and after-school clubs. La Pine Guitar Club : David Miller, a longtime working musician and educator, has taken this after-school class from theory to reality. Now the club offers beginner and advanced classes and continues even through summer. Drama Programs : In 2017, La Pine Performing Arts achieved a milestone in presenting their first full-length musical in years. “The Little Mermaid” performed a sold-out weekend and introduced this drama program to the greater community. La Pine Middle & High School Choir : Michael Chavarin has developed multiple successful choirs at La Pine Schools, including an advanced jazz choir for upper grade students. The choirs recently purchased new robes and are also able to continue expanding their music library.

To learn more about how you can help support music in local schools, visit the Sunriver Music Festival’s web page: http://sunrivermusic.org/about/education-scholarships