JUST FOR U MUSIC PROGRAM

Throughout all of history, there has never been a culture without music. Whether it be tribal drum rhythms, age-old folk tunes, symphonies, or heavy metal, music has always been one of our most basic communal activities, and a language universally accessible to all.

JUMP Concert, March 8, 2012

With the theme “Musical Families, Musical Friendships” as a backdrop, this year's JUMP! team will show young audiences the highly social joy of musical collaboration through a series of six interactive concerts and demonstrations in 2011/12. Shepherd School students will share their experiences of discovering and fostering friendships through musical teamwork and communication, while exploring all kinds of musical families: families of instruments, families of musicians (like the Mozarts), and perhaps the most important of all—the new families we can build with each other, regardless of our backgrounds, through music's incredible power to bring people together. 

Each year two graduate students coordinate JUMP! as an independent study course. In the process, they learn such valuable skills as concert programming, production, promotion, presentation and peer mentoring.

All concerts are free of charge, but by reservation only. All six inreach concerts are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoons. For questions or reservations, contact us: jump@rice.edu

The inreach (in-house outreach concerts) concept was conceived by students and faculty from the wind chamber music class at the Shepherd School. Student coordinators soon expanded the program to include student performers from all departments at the school.

Rachel Buchman, head of the Young Children’s Division at the the Shepherd School, teaches participating students the special performing skills needed to create a fun and informative classical music experience. Other Shepherd School faculty coach the chamber music groups and advise student leaders on planning and administration.

Student coordinators find many benefits come from the JUMP! program. Sharing music with children is exciting, energizing, and brings a fresh perspective to their art. In addition to attending a free concert in the intimate setting of Duncan Recital Hall, some school groups include a campus tour in their visit to Rice.

For many, it is their first experience on a college campus. As one faculty member observed, “Who knows what dreams can come from these experiences? If even one or two children can be inspired to go to college, it will be worth it.”