Classroom Classics, Astral’s educational outreach/residency program, is dedicated to reaching under-served students in Philadelphia public and parochial schools and young audiences outside the city. The energy of young classical musicians combined with the natural curiosity of young audiences, creates a powerful and rewarding experience.
Classroom Classics is proud of its commitment to on-site guidance for the artists and an evaluation process that includes an experienced staff member attending all performances, residencies, and workshops. Astral’s attention to understanding the needs of the particular classroom, its commitment to repeat performances in small settings, and in-depth curriculum collaboration with the artists is a mainstay of the program.
A frequent lack of music education in schools and students’ lack of exposure to classical music in popular culture reminds musicians of the critical need to develop future audiences and inspire young people through innovative and personal musical experiences. Astral encourages its world-class artists to experiment with the use of technology, hands-on experiences, unusual instrumentation, and creative themes. Complimentary tickets are regularly offered to students to attend major Center City Concerts featuring these very same extraordinary soloists.
Each year Astral makes over 60 Classroom Classics presentations introducing students to classical music in intimate and informal settings, allowing for direct interaction between students and performers with an emphasis on classical music as
HERE & NOW…VIBRANT & MEANINGFUL…EXCITING & AWESOME!
“We want you to come back and do some more opera because it made me love opera. We are begging you to come back.” - Elementary Student
“It was a very rewarding experience reminding me of the needs of students in urban settings and how lucky I am to share my passion with these students.” - Aoife O’Sullivan, pianist
“…our students were elevated by [Astral's outreach] and deepened in ways they began to appreciate more and more as the year went on… Astral helped [our school] make a quantum leap in music education this year.” - High School Teacher
