SAVANNAH, GA – As a community-focused arts organization, the Savannah Philharmonic is
excited to introduce the orchestra to all fifth grade students in the Chatham County Public
School System.
Two concerts will be offered at the Johnny Mercer Theatre on the morning of Thursday,
February 9, which are designed to highlight different sections of the orchestra. The goal is to
introduce students to all facets of an orchestra to encourage them to become part of an
instrumental ensemble when they graduate to the next grade.
“This moment of watching kids experience and orchestra for the first time is so much of what
our mission is about at the SavPhil,” said Executive Director Amy Williams. “I remember the
impact it had on me as a kid and how it shaped my decision to follow a career in classical music.
It’s going to be a magical day at the Johnny Mercer Theatre.”
The concerts will give students the opportunity to hear each instrument of the orchestra play
individually and then together with the whole philharmonic.
The concerts are organized by SavPhil’s Education and Community Initiatives Manager, Brad
Behr. Following the performances Dr. Behr will travel to each participating school to help guide
students through the organization’s Musical Safari program with the support of local music
educators. Students will be able to try out the instruments they just watched on stage with a
hands-on musical experience in their own classroom.
“Ultimately, our goal is to inspire a love of music in the young people of Savannah,” shares Dr.
Behr. “You never know who might respond to the sound of a tuba or a violin or timpani. We
just want to invite our students to see what’s possible and let them know we’re here to be a
resource for them should they choose to further explore musical performance. Maybe one day
a member of the audience could grow up to be on stage with us as a member of the orchestra!”
Other music education programs provided by the Savannah Philharmonic include: Musical
Storytime with Live Oak Libraries, Musical Horizons with Horizons Savannah, The Ben Tucker
Instrument Library, the SavPhil All-Star Ensemble and community performances throughout the
region.
ABOUT THE SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC
The Savannah Philharmonic, a nonprofit 501©(3), is a community-focused arts organization
which strives to present concert performances and music education of the highest caliber
throughout the southeast. Comprised of a professional orchestra and community chorus, and
led by the masterful baton of Keitaro Harada, the SavPhil performs a vast range of works from composers of the past and present, and in all genres from classical to contemporary. The
organization focuses on fostering community and inspiring a true appreciation of music through
equitable access to performances and education programs.
To learn more, please visit: savphil.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Coffey | Director of External Relationships | Savannah Philharmonic
[email protected] / (941) 350-5120