Partnering arts education non-profits, Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly (DCP) are closing out the school year with two performances on back-to-back weekends. Both events are free, open to the public, and can be attended in person or virtually.
On Sunday, June 5th at 2:00 PM, Dancing Classrooms Philly will be hosting an End of Year Student Celebration at the University of the Arts’ Elaine C. Levitt Auditorium at Gershman Hall (401 South Broad Street). Livestream at https://www.facebook.com/dancingclassroomsphilly
On Saturday, June 11th at 4:00 PM, the Musicopia String Orchestra (MSO) will perform its annual Spring Concert at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia (2125 Chestnut Street). Livestream at https://www.facebook.com/musicopia/
This year marks a major milestone for both organizations: the 10th anniversary of their partnership. In 2012, Musicopia and DCP formed a dynamic partnership to provide both organizations with a more efficient infrastructure while advancing their missions and community impact. Today, both organizations share staff and Board of Directors, resources, and a commitment to serving children in schools that lack adequate arts education programs.
This year also marks Dancing Classrooms Philly’s 15th anniversary. When DCP launched in 2007, it was based on the in-school Ballroom dance program in New York City founded by award-winning dancer Pierre Dulaine. DCP has expanded its programming to include other dance styles such as Latin, Hip-Hop, and K-Pop in recent years. The upcoming End of Year Student Celebration on June 5th will reflect on DCP’s journey and the many lives it has shaped. There will be student performances and an interactive workshop for the audience to participate in.
At the Musicopia String Orchestra Spring Concert on June 11th, student musicians will showcase a diverse range of composers and musical styles, from Florence Price to Led Zepplin. MSO will proudly premiere “Symphony for McCoy Tyner.” This song was composed by Philadelphia musician Dr. Jay Fluellen, in honor of the late jazz pianist McCoy Tyner. Dr. Fluellen was given a grant from Black Music City to create this piece for MSO to perform.
