MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Renaissance Theatre is set to bring the magic of swing music to local students with the return of Carnegie Hall’s “Link Up” program. The educational event, titled “The Orchestra Swings,” will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16, with two free performances at 9:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. at the theatre’s main stage at 138 Park Avenue West.
As part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series, the program invites students in grades 3 through 5, along with younger students from grades K-2 to an interactive concert with the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra and a live jazz ensemble. The event is a unique opportunity for area schools and homeschool families to engage with professional musicians.
“The Orchestra Swings” will explore the rhythms, styles, and history of swing music, a genre rooted in jazz but also present in orchestral works. Students will learn how an orchestra can “swing” and discover the connection between jazz and classical music. The high-energy performance, led by Maestro Octavio Más-Arocas, will encourage students to sing, play, and clap along from their seats, making them a part of the performance.
Schools and families who register can receive optional curriculum resources, including comprehensive lesson plans and multimedia tools from Carnegie Hall, to prepare students for the interactive experience.
The Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Más-Arocas, is comprised of over 55 talented musicians from Mansfield and across Ohio. The orchestra’s mission is to provide a quality symphonic experience that engages musicians, patrons, and youth.
Space for the event is limited, with each concert accommodating approximately 1,400 attendees. Schools and families are encouraged to register early at www.rentickets.org or by calling the Renaissance Box Office at 419-522-2726. For questions, contact Renaissance Education Manager Dauphne Maloney.
The Renaissance Theatre’s participation in this program is made possible by the Rupp Donor-Advised Fund of the Richland County Foundation, with additional support from the Gimbel Foundation.