Students from the New Haven Public Schools hone their musical talents both in the classroom and on stage through the Morse Summer Music Academy, an intensive four-week program offered by the Yale Music in Schools Initiative. This year’s academy began on July 10 and continues through Aug. 4.
Practice, practice, practice — then perform: Morse Summer Music Academy
Students from the New Haven Public Schools hone their musical talents both in the classroom and on stage through the Morse Summer Music Academy.
1 min read
-
1 / 18The program brings together students from the city's public schools and Yale graduate teaching artists each day for five hours of intensive classes, rehearsals, and performances. -
2 / 18The instructors also include School of Music faculty members and alumni, New Haven Public Schools teachers, and special guests. -
3 / 18Students entering grades 4th to 12th are eligible to participate. -
4 / 18There are programs for Band (woodwind, brass, and percussion), Choir, and Orchestra (violin, violoa, cello, and bass). -
5 / 18The academy also offers private lessons, ear training, and instruction in music theory. -
6 / 18This summer, 115 students are enrolled in the academy. -
7 / 18“Music has the ability to bring people together, to let them discover one another at the same level of importance, dignity, and respect, beyond socioeconomic, religious, political, and racial differences," says Ruben Rodriguez, lead teacher in the Music in Schools Initiative. -
8 / 18"At Morse Academy, the young people from our community have the freedom to be themselves and to understand others and their differences — and to understand that their voices are valued and needed," Rodriguez adds. -
9 / 18Just as graduate students mentor the New Haven students, youngsters in their senior and junior year of high school are encouraged to mentor the younger students. -
10 / 18 -
11 / 18Morse students participate in over 30 concerts across Yale's campus and in the New Haven community. -
12 / 18These include semi-weekly "pop-up" concerts on Cross Campus. -
13 / 18 -
14 / 18 -
15 / 18The Morse Summer Music Academy is part of the Music in Schools Initiative, which aims to support and enhance the work of public school music educators and nurture the next generation of cultural leaders. -
16 / 18"We, as a community — Yale University and the Yale School of Music — experience the Music in Schools Initiative as a living laboratory of social change," says Rodriquez. -
17 / 18“Through music, these students discover the importance of active listening and also active participation – important skills that will help them navigate this world," he notes. -
18 / 18
