The Score | New Bedford Symphony, Learning from “Learning in Concert”

In March, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra in Massachusetts presented results of a recent evaluation of its NBSO Learning in Concert program at the International Symposium on Assessment in Music Education at the University of Florida. The program at elementary schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island integrates musical concepts alongside other art and academic areas. NBSO Education Director Terry Wolkowicz presented the findings, together with Ronald Sherwin, associate professor and chair of the Music Department at UMass Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Lynn Souza, director of Fine Arts for New Bedford Public Schools. Initial findings suggest that among the 134 students in the program, less-privileged and under-achieving children demonstrated high academic growth from participating in the program, and average and high-achieving students benefited as well. The assessment project was supported in part by a grant from the American Orchestras’ Futures Fund, a program of the League of American Orchestras made possible by funding from the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.