New Program Brings Music to the Schools

The Pasadena Symphony has launched a new music education program at three elementary schools in the Pasadena Unified School District in hopes of enhancing reading, language and math skills.

Organizers said the program, Teaching Essential Music Program Odyssey, will begin with about 200 kindergarten students at Longfellow, Altadena and Willard elementary schools. Eventually, the program will include students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Jerri Price, the symphony’s education director, was at Longfellow last week to introduce the program.

“Music and learning is a perfect partnership,” said Price, a former teacher at the school. “My goal is to bring music back to the schools. It’s a wonderful way to introduce kids to other cultures and diversity.”

Upcoming events include concerts by symphony musicians. Also, in recognition of Black History Month, Price plans to teach students the music of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. For Cinco de Mayo, she plans to introduce Latino composers to the children.

“Fine arts has become secondary in schools, primarily because of the literacy problems,” said Linda Talbert, the principal at Longfellow elementary. “Every child needs a quality music experience because music touches the soul.”