Educational Outreach
Smith Fine Arts Series is very much on a mission: not only to present quality music and dance performances for WOU and our wider community, but also to provide free educational outreach opportunities throughout the season. From special performances and demonstrations for elementary and secondary students, to informal discussions and workshops for university students and the public, SFAS fosters an appreciation for the performing arts by providing direct access to the world-class artists who perform here.
During the 2021-22 Season:
- Incredibly versatile jazz vocalist Halie Loren did an hands-on workshop with WOU students from Dr. Claire Hudkin’s voice class.
- The members of Vianna Bergeron Brazilian Jazz, all music educators in their own right, introduced students of all ages and folks from the wider community to the joys of Sambo, Choro, and Bossa Nova.
- Rainbow Dance Theatre presented a virtual performance for middle and elementary school students, with a real-time Q&A session following the show.
- The Seamus Egan Project offered a lecture and demonstration to the general public about the musical influences of Irish music on America.
- The Thalea String Quartet inspired 25 students in grades 6-9 to think about chamber music in new ways and then worked with them in small groups to create their own compositions using the techniques they’d learned.
Watch the videos below to learn more about the transformative experiences
Smith Fine Arts Series brings to students and the wider community
Click here to make a gift in support of our work.
If you or a student group you know may be interested in participating
in our Educational Outreach activities, please contact us.
