HCMC Outreach

Education Programs

Through educational programs the Howland Chamber Music Circle brings enjoyment, knowledge and skill in music to young people. In partnership with schools and community groups we sponsor:

  • Musician Residencies in area high schools
  • Master Classes for local music students

Residencies
In 2004 The Howland Chamber Music Circle, partly funded by a grant from Chamber Music America, brought the Daedalus String Quartet to the Wappingers high schools for a four-day residency. Members of the quartet held master classes, individual and ensemble coaching sessions and a wrap-up concert. This educational outreach project was so successful that it is now a permanent part of our musical endeavors. In subsequent years the residencies have been led by such distinguished artists as Soovin Kim, the String Quartet of New York, Soo Bae, and the Biava String Quartet; expanding and enhancing classical music experience to our public school students.

The 2011 Residency Schedule:

(The 2011 schedule should be available during the fall of 2010.)

Master Classes

In 2005 The Howland Chamber Music circle established master classes as an extension to the Howland Cultural Center's Classics for Kids concerts. These sessions provide students with the opportunity to work with established musicians to improve and polish their playing.

The 2010-2011 Master Class Schedule:

October 23, 2010 ............. Narek Hakhnazaryan, cello

November 13, 2010 ......... Louis Hanzlik, trumpet

April 9, 2011 .................... Jose Franch-Ballester, clarinet

May 14, 2011 ................... Andrius Zlabys, piano

All Concerts for Kids concerts are Saturdays at 3:00 PM with the master class following at around 4:00 PM.

A winner of the Young Concert Artists Competition and an Avery Fisher Career Grant, violinist Tim Fain is rapidly building a career as a recitalist and a soloist with leading orchestras, playing both classical works and jazz. Described as “charismatic with a matinee idol profile,” he is sure to interact with the audience and charm them with a variety of solo violin works. Marla Rathbun is arranging the master class for young violinists following the concert.
Raman Ramakrishnan is the cellist of the Daedalus Quartet, which will be playing that Sunday at the Howland Center. He has performed frequently at Bargemusic, with Musicians from Marlboro, on Caramoor’s “Rising Stars” series, and is also a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. A very outgoing young man, he will be accompanied by piano in a variety of cello repertoire. Following the concert, Nanette Koch is arranging a master class for young cellists.