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Music in the Mornings

Imagine a grade school full of students, completely quiet, except for the sound of classical music playing through all the halls and in every classroom.

Since 1999, that is exactly what has been happening at a growing number of schools in the region, thanks to Britt's music listening initiative called Music in the Mornings. For five minutes at the beginning of every day, a selection is played through the school's public address system with an informative introduction read by the principal. The same five-minute piece of music is played daily for a week, allowing listeners to develop a familiarity with the composer and his work. Each week features a different composer and a "kid friendly" script about the music. Children not only learn about the music, they learn to experience the power and beauty of music for themselves.

Music in the Mornings was designed by education specialists in Canada (published by Tall Timbers Publishing Company). The program provides a comprehensive learning opportunity for students of all ethnic and economic backgrounds. Modern research has shown that exposure to music at an early age can have a significant impact on behavioral, cognitive, creative and motor skill development. These studies reinforce Britt's belief that music education increases the likelihood children will develop into adults who participate in the cultural well-being of their communities, and foster similar programs for subsequent generations.

Beginning with Jacksonville School in 1999, the program has grown through Britt's support, gifts from businesses and individuals and generous grants from numerous foundations to include 80 schools in southern Oregon, currently serving more than 25,000 school children. The program continues to grow, with a visual arts enhancement piece called "Five times Five equals 25" provided to teachers beginning in the spring of 2006. Beginning in the fall of 2006, the Arianna String Quartet will begin the first phase of school visits, performing live in 40 elementary schools, using music from the listening program's repertoire.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Oregon Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

This program is funded through the generous support of the following major sponsors: PGE Foundation, Wolf Creek Partners, Britt Society and other contributors just like you

Please contact Joelle Graves at 541-779-0847, ext 122 if you would like more information on how Music in the Mornings can benefit your school.

Britt Festivals is a non-profit organization that presents and sponsors performing arts and supports those activities through on-going education and audience development programs and through cooperation with educational, civic, cultural and governmental organizations in Southern Oregon. In addition to maintaining a formal education program, Britt honors its mission through the engagement of the world's top performers representative of diverse genres.