Elizabeth Wheeler
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Elizabeth Wheeler, Contributing Writer

What happens when a kid with a love for music meets his hero, George Gershwin? He might discover the key to unlocking some songs of his own! Check the Classical Kids! website for a show near you.

More About Classical Kids!
Gershwin's Magic Key is first-ever educationally entertaining theatrical symphony concert exposing children and their parents to the extraordinary life and musical masterpieces of one of the greatest American composers of all time.

The story tells of a chance meeting on the streets of New York City between a poor newspaper boy and the great American composer, George Gershwin. The orchestra magically weaves Gershwin's greatest hits into the drama as the master composer shares historical anecdotes about his life and musical passion. A bonding friendship develops that highlights the vast melting pot of American music and provides the key to unlocking the boy's own musical potential.

Family and student audiences will be captivated by over twenty of Gershwin's most popular excerpts from the great American songbook including; An American in Paris, I got Rhythm, Porgy and Bess, The Man I Love, Cuban Overture, Strike up the Band, Concerto in F, Someone to Watch Over Me, Fascinatin' Rhythm andRhapsody in Blue.


About Classical Kids!
THE MISSION

To provide children with an exciting and educational point of entry into the world of classical music by humanizing the lives of the great composers, creating an emotional connection to their musical masterpieces, and inspiring a personal excellence that leads to greater achievement and success in life.

THE VISION
Belief
CKME believes that powerful stories drawn from true heroes of the past can inspire excellence in children to reach beyond themselves and their own potential.

Aesthetic Framework
To be the premiere organization using drama to lead children enthusiastically into the world of the great classical music composer.

To captivate, educate, enrich, and inspire young people through a cultural understanding of classical music and historical period.

To build new bridges between the music of the past, the children of today, and the audiences of tomorrow.

To change the world through the power of music.

ARTISTIC VALUES
Enrichment
Enriching young lives with emotional and exciting, fictional stories steeped in rich, historic fact.

Captivation
Captivating a child’s attention through multi-arts disciplines, professional artists and theatrical production values.

Inspiration
Inspiring children to excellence in their own interest through a powerful human connection to music of the past.

Integration
Integrating artistic learning into multiple subject areas by supplying classroom support materials that encourage active exploration across the curricula.



WORKING VALUES
Strong Work Ethic
Dependability and Responsibility
Possessing a Positive Attitude
Adaptability
Honesty and Integrity
Self-Motivated
Motivated to Grow & Learn
Strong Self-Confidence
Professionalism
Loyalty

OVERARCHING GOALS

One: Establish a stronger Chicago-area presence benefitting local communities, schools, and organizations.

Two: Create new program offerings while adding artistic enhancements to current productions.

Three: Increase national and international programming collaborations with more orchestras to reach more children.

Four: Establish a community home with space to offer early childhood music education classes and music resources.

Five: Develop a comprehensive distance learning opportunity that will allow all children, especially those in rural areas, to participate in Classical Kids programming.

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