Local musician brings the joy of music to students through Live Music Now!
For over five years, Melissa Snoza, of Algonquin, has been sharing her passion for classical music with underprivileged students at Chicago Public Schools.
As a member of the Fifth House Ensemble, Snoza plays the flute for students through the International Music Foundation's Live Music Now! program. Live Music Now! brings the joy of live music to students through in-school recitals and Young Peoples' Concerts at no charge to the school.
Snoza became interested in working with Live Music Now! after she performed in the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series, another one of the International Music Foundation's programs. Participating in Live Music Now! is a way for her to give back and inspire future generations of musicians.
"Live Music Now! offers professionals the opportunity to do what they love in a supportive environment for children," says Snoza. "There are so few opportunities for students to get up-close and personal with classical music and it gives musicians the chance to model art and excellence."
To Snoza, the most memorable performances are when the students are positively engaged. In Fifth House Ensemble's Music Can Tell a Story shows, students interact with the ensemble and help build a story around the music. This experience demonstrates the idea that each performance is a give and take between the audience and musicians and that both can learn something from each concert.
"It is a privilege to work with musicians who understand not only the importance of performing live music for children but the importance of having the kids interact with the music," says Ann Murray, executive director of the International Music Foundation. "Programs like Live Music Now! open doors for students to discover the wide range of different music out there in the world, much of it probably unfamiliar to them. It also lets them express themselves through music, and interact with engaging adults, passionate about their art form. Being part of a live music performance is key to those experiences."
Since 1982, Live Music Now! has introduced millions of Chicago Public School students to the wonder of music. This free program created by the International Music Foundation aims to expose children to music who, without this program, would not have the opportunity to learn about and experience this art form. More than 15 ensembles participate in 160 performances, inspiring students throughout Chicago.
About the International Music Foundation
The International Music Foundation was founded in 1979 by Chicagoan Al Booth as the umbrella organization for two of his music projects: the Do-It-Yourself Messiah and the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert series, both now cornerstones of the Chicago musical scene. In 1981, with the help of Yehudi Menuhin, the IMF added Live Music Now!, a concert series for children in the Chicago Public Schools. For more information, visit www.imfchicago.org.