OUTREACH

Senior Communities

We drew upon 200+ years of early-American music to engage with seniors, inviting them to enjoy Shaker hymns, Old-Time Gospel, Bluegrass, and a variety of 18th and 19th-century tunes from across our country's musical landscape. In addition, participants had the opportunity to make requests and even "stump the band." We were a versatile group, and could be particularly accommodating in finding a comfortable key. Couldn’t quite remember the words to the second verse? We were there to lend a hand!

Developed after extensive training with ArtSage, our presentations engaged participants of all abilities through singing, movement, and storytelling. For residents who were no longer able to communicate or interact, our artists provided a caring and gentle touch; music has the power to overcome countless obstacles. 

With years of experience and thoughtful planning, we easily tailored the activities to meet specific needs of each community of senior participants. Were there residents whose first language was Finnish? How about Slovenian, Swedish, Czech, or German? Others? No problem! We were able to work up a special song or two!

A variety of instruments were included such as guitar, upright bass, accordion, fiddle, jaw harp, and mandolin. 

Each senior had direct and quality contact with our musicians throughout the activity, which began with 20-30 minutes of socializing before the music starts. During this period of connection, Rose Ensemble artists took the time to learn about residents' life experiences, and seamlessly integrate this knowledge into the full group activity. The result was an invigorating and highly personal experience for seniors and musicians alike!

K-12 Schools 

The Rose Ensemble offered fun and imaginative presentations and residencies that brought music to life through songs, instruments, and storytelling for grades K-12. Each program provided a window into distant times and places, tapping into themes directly relevant to the social and cultural issues of today’s world. With extensive research and culturally diverse content, Rose Ensemble educational programs were presented to thousands of young people across the country

What we offered:

• Engaging vocal and instrumental demonstrations by professional musicians

• Interactive group discussion and hands-on participation for all ages

• Activities designed for academic standards in music, history, geography, and world languages

• Tailored content for large or small classes and assemblies

• Educator study guides for the classroom

• Minimal setup and production requirements

Residencies

The Rose Ensemble collaborated with teachers to reach young audiences with culturally rich, interactive arts experiences infused with standards-based content in Music, World Languages, Language Arts, Dance, Geography, and History. Additional instruction enhanced music curriculums in tandem with educators’ learning objectives. Guided by members of The Rose Ensemble, students increased and sharpened their skills in vocal production, rhythm, intonation, balance, diction, pronunciation, ensemble sensitivity, and projection of text. Singers also learned vocal style, performance practice, and an array of ensemble-singing techniques that enhance the interpretation of any repertoire – all taught in a nurturing, supportive way. Activities included master classes, ensemble singing workshops, rehearsals, additional educational outreach performances in the community, and a culminating concert performance. The Rose Ensemble collaborated with educators to define project expectations and outcomes, determine appropriate guides and materials to use in tandem with the themes being studied, and to implement an effective process of evaluation during and after the residency experience.

Colleges and Universities

The Rose Ensemble’s educational offerings included lecture demonstrations, coaching workshops, master classes, and residencies to address the needs of participants at all levels – professionals and amateurs, soloists and ensemble performers, conductors and music teachers. The Rose Ensemble’s unique approach focused on each participant’s learning experience, fostering individual development, and growth in skill and knowledge. For bigger groups, our master classes tackled broader subjects such as medieval history and larger choir singing techniques. For smaller groups, our coaching workshops addressed specialized topics such as Gregorian chant, music research, and ensemble singing.

Master Classes

The Rose Ensemble’s master classes explored the true joys of singing and demonstrate ways to enhance your performance. By focusing on the process of rehearsing and performing as well as the context, participants learned about the nature of the music from a more human perspective and the elements that contribute to singing it well.

Residencies

The Rose Ensemble collaborated with faculty to reach student audiences with culturally rich, interactive arts experiences, and provides additional instruction to enhance music curriculum in tandem with course learning objectives. Guided by members of The Rose Ensemble, students increased and sharpened their skills in vocal production, rhythm, intonation, balance, diction, pronunciation, ensemble sensitivity, and projection of text. Singers also learned vocal style, performance practice, and an array of ensemble-singing techniques that enhance the interpretation of any repertoire – all taught in a nurturing, supportive way. Activities included master classes, ensemble singing workshops, rehearsals, additional educational outreach performances in the community, and a culminating concert performance. The Rose Ensemble collaborated with faculty to define project expectations and outcomes, determine appropriate guides and materials to use in tandem with the themes being studied, and to implement an effective process of evaluation during and after the residency experience.

Your Community

The Rose Ensemble offers innovative community workshops, presentations, and residencies that provide a closer look at the relationship between the music, the singer, and each other. Educational programs can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your community.