K-12 and community programs
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Pre-school &
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Examples of the Kontras Quartet's 40-minute presentations for younger audiences:
all made of stories
- Music is an art that can be appreciated on its own, but the impact it makes increases when we remember the stories that surround it: how the composers lived, what emotions live in the sound of the music, and what it means to us when we hear it. Some music has a specific story it depicts; some music does not. This program explores both kinds of music, and puts the music into the context of the composers' lives through the sharing of their stories.
THE SPORT OF MUSIC
- This invigorating program is designed to show our young audiences that there isn't much difference between their beloved sports and the inner workings of a string quartet. Listeners will learn that it takes teamwork, athleticism, competition, stamina, and a whole lot of fun to play music together, just like players on a soccer team.
AROUND THE WORLD
- Join us as we venture on a musical journey. The program starts out with traditional quartet repertoire, demonstrating the genre and explaining each instrument's role in the quartet. From there, we launch into a world tour of music demonstrating traditional styles of American, Asian, Russian and African music.
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL
The Kontras Quartet can work with your school's students in a variety of ways:
School-wide assembly
- We offer presentations that are part performance, part discussion, featuring longer selections and a focus on the historical, literary, or social context.
Coaching and lessons
- Coaching string ensembles, orchestras, or sectionals
- Individual lessons
- College audition preparation
- Sitting in with the orchestra in rehearsal or in concert
- Performing a string quartet for the class and discussing the music
conversations with students
For students who are seriously considering studying music in college, we can facilitate discussions on various topics, such as:
- How to fit practicing into your busy schedule
- How to choose a school
- How to find a teacher who is the right match
- How to mentally prepare for an audition
- What to expect from a serious musical education