News From Britt Hill – July 2018

Can you imagine a world without art and music? Who would want to? You probably have seen children dancing and bouncing to music or seen toddlers banging on pots and pans. Because children are natural musicians, this musical interest comes easily and can be cultivated. Who will be our future oboists, singers, guitarists and drummers? Our children and grandchildren of course! One major mission of Britt Music and Arts Festival is to bring the wonder of musical performance to as many children as possible, either through the schools or through our free concerts. You can’t get more accessible than free.

We have amazing artists creating music with children through residencies. These in-school music visits serve kindergarten through graduate level students in Jackson and Josephine counties during each school term. Residencies range from a single school visit to 5 days of presentations, master classes, individual lessons and affordably ticketed performances in our community. All school visits are provided at no cost to the schools.

Britt Education & Engagement works in partnership with like-minded organizations in our community. Together we are expanding and delivering diverse, inclusive programming. Here is just a taste of what is offered this summer:

  • Thanks to exclusive sponsor Southern Oregon Subaru, the 4th annual BrittKids Koncert series returns on July 17, 23, 29, 30, and August 5, 6, 7, 20, 25 in the Britt Performance Garden. They are expanding to Bear Creek Park in Medford this year with an August 18th performance. These free, family-friendly concerts begin at 10:15am, with new artists, and an increased number of presentations created by both local musicians and members of the Britt Orchestra. BrittKids Koncerts are designed to appeal to a broad range of age groups from children to young adults and parents. The story-driven series once again promises an array of genres, from international and cultural folk music and dance, to music inspired by our shared regional and American history, and as always, audience interaction and engagement.
  • Our ongoing commitment to collaborative programming and community outreach includes Britt’s Music Director, Teddy Abrams, performing in an OSF Green Show during the Britt Orchestra Season with OSF artist-collaborator from Sounds and Sweet Airs, Miriam A. Laube, as well as with other musical guests, on July 29.
  • “Britt Orchestra Fellows String Ensemble:” Hear our 2018 string fellows in concert through a partnership with Ashland Parks & Recreation and the OSF Green Show. July 30, Lithia Park Bandshell at 7:00pm; August 5, OSF Green Show at 6:45pm.
  • “Drumtastic Beats:” All ages are welcome to come and learn fun rhythms with Gabriel Globus-Hoenich & Bryan Jeffs. Bring your own drum or borrow one of ours. In partnership with Ashland Parks & Recreation. Both events start at 11:00am. July 29, Lithia Park Bandshell; August 5, North Mountain Park.

Thanks to our Education sponsors and partners, Britt’s education programs are going places. Pack up the car and take the kids to a free show this summer!