Music – Page 3 – Creative Minds Out Loud

Episode 14: A Musical Instrument Lending Library

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | RSS

The Johnson String Project is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to provide high-quality instruments to children who live in underserved communities and who are participating in El-Sistema-inspired programs in Massachusetts. Carol Johnson, Founder and President, talks about the creation of their musical instrument lending library and the public/private partnership behind it.

Carol Johnson is a co-founder of Johnson String Instrument. Founded in Newton, MA in 1976, JSI’s core belief is that everyone is equal and deserves access to quality instruments. This philosophy is why teachers have been turning to Johnson for support for almost 40 years. When she began to ask how she could further serve her community in Massachusetts, she found her answer in the creation of The Johnson String Project.
Continue reading “Episode 14: A Musical Instrument Lending Library”

Episode 12: Creating Pathways for the Contemporary Performing Artist

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | RSS

Performing arts education pioneers Berklee College of Music and The Boston Conservatory are merging, creating a comprehensive training ground for music, dance, theater, and related professions. Richard Ortner, president of The Boston Conservatory, and Roger Brown, president of Berklee College of Music, discuss what it means to create an institutional platform for collaboration, to get students to the next level of career preparedness, and to employ music as a tool for social change.

Roger Brown (left) & Richard Ortner (right) Roger H. Brown is Berklee’s third president in the institution’s history. Under his leadership, the college has expanded scholarship support by 400 percent; created an international campus in Valencia, Spain; built its first ground-up custom facility boasting 173 residence hall rooms, a state-of-the-art recording complex, and a dining hall/performance venue; and established a suite of institutes including the Berklee Global Jazz Institute under the direction of jazz pianist Danilo Pérez. The college has expanded its global reach to attract students from 105 countries, markedly improved gender diversity, dramatically increased admissions selectivity, and created the world’s largest online music education system. During his tenure, the City Music Program, which offers educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged young musicians, has expanded outside of Boston, now serving more than 29,000 young middle school and high school-aged young people. Brown has also been a leader in humanitarian initiatives in Africa and Southeast Asia. He is an avid drummer.

Born in Great Neck, NY, Richard Ortner has shared his lifelong passion for music and advanced training in the performing arts with the most renowned senior professionals of our age, the best and brightest young artists and students, and the widest possible audiences.
Continue reading “Episode 12: Creating Pathways for the Contemporary Performing Artist”

Episode 6: Creating Great Human Beings, One Song at a Time

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | RSS

At Boston Children’s Chorus (BCC) music is a catalyst to create social change. BCC Artistic Director Dr. Anthony Trecek-King recounts how kids from over 120 different zip codes come to the Chorus to learn about music, and are also given time to discuss and learn about their differences and how they can work together to become a more creative and cohesive community.

Dr. Anthony Trecek-King is the Artistic Director of the award-winning Boston Children’s Chorus (BCC). Under his direction the Chorus has earned a reputation as an ensemble of high distinction and in 2013 received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program award from the White House. Dr. Trecek-King’s performances have been heralded as possessing a “surprising range of dynamics and depth of expression.” Continue reading “Episode 6: Creating Great Human Beings, One Song at a Time”