By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — Involvement by local symphony orchestras with their communities doesn’t always happen, and even less often in Black neighborhoods. But the Nashville Symphony has been that rare exception. They announced Friday the second iteration of its community engagement initiative “Music in My Neighborhood.” This is a weeklong cultural exchange in the form of a musical takeover of a neighborhood in Nashville. “Music in My Neighborhood” will be held February 12 through 17 in North Nashville and Bordeaux. The Symphony will partner with local organizations to highlight North Nashville and Bordeaux’s history, culture, and residents through a series of free ensemble performances, educational programs, and unique collaborations.
“We are excited to host the second iteration of Music in My Neighborhood in North Nashville and Bordeaux, where there is such a rich history of music and community building,” Nashville Symphony VP of Education and Community Engagement Kimberly Kraft McLemore said in a press release. “Working with local leaders, artists and organizations has been a vital part of this process. Our goal is to highlight the amazing things already happening in the neighborhood, and we welcome everyone to join us in celebrating North Nashville and Bordeaux.”
There are eight public events planned, including sending ensembles to perform and lead sectional rehearsals in schools; after-school clinics in community centers and at nonprofit organizations; chamber music performances with Nashville Symphony musicians; and a full Orchestra concert. This will be on Thursday, February 15 at 7:30 PM at IT Creswell Middle School featuring Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony No. 9 in E minor and the traditional spiritual “Go Down Moses.” All public events are free, with entry granted on a first come, first served basis.
There are also several non-public activities planned at schools, community centers, and with other partner organizations, including a side-by-side coaching session at Tennessee State University; creative exchanges with music, pottery, and sculpture as well as an instrument petting zoo at Buchanan Arts; a program called My Favorite Composer at Jones Paideia Elementary School; and an ensemble performance at Hull-Jackson Montessori.
Community partners in North Nashville and Bordeaux include the Nashville Public Library, TN State Museum, Choral Arts Link, IT Creswell, Elephant Gallery, Buchanan Arts, Robert Churchwell Elementary, Jones Paideia Elementary, Hull-Jackson Montessori, Tennessee State University, Family & Children Services, Neighbor2Neighbor. This initiative is made possible by support from RH Boyd and Tennessee Arts Commission.
More information on daily events and/or the full schedule can be found at nashvillesymphony.org/communityweek.
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