Color the Music engages lifelong learners in visual art activities and residencies inspired by National Philharmonic performances.
Creative Aging Adult Program K-12 School Program
Artists, writers, and musicians have inspired each other throughout history, and this inspiration continues in the 21st Century. The National Philharmonic, in residence at the Music Center at Strathmore, invites you to participate in a new collaboration with Mather, an over 80-year-old organization dedicated to creating Ways to Age WellSM. Research demonstrates that abilities related to creativity in the present moment, sensory enjoyment, and emotional connection all remain long into dementia progression. We believe that the arts are key to tapping into these long-lasting strengths! Join the National Philharmonic and Mather for a series of dementia-friendly virtual concerts paired with Creative Explorations to try either during or after enjoying the concert. Each Creative Exploration will be outlined with accessibility and wellbeing in mind. This engagement plan will be a useful tool for program coordinators, art therapists, teaching artists, caregivers, or family and friends to help facilitate connection and expression inspired by music.
To participate this season, please contact Co-Director of Learning & Engagement Tiffany Richardson for more information at tiffany@nationalphilharmonic.org
“We came into this workshop feeling so small, and we’re leaving here feeling so big, and so full of learning and just exploding with ideas and so alive. I think this was one of the best workshops we’ve ever had.” Leisure World Artist
“I’ll never look at the sky the same way again”Leisure World Artist
We believe that arts experiences designed to be successful for people living with dementia can also be successful for people without cognitive impairment. A successful dementia-friendly experience is welcoming, failure-free, respects diverse perspectives or approaches, and invites imagination and connection in the present moment. Isn’t that something we’d all like to experience? Feel free to utilize this guide to explore your own creativity as a form of stress-relief, as part of caregiver self-care, or as a fun experience to share with a family member or friend.
Launched in 2016, the Color the Music program encourages students grades K-12 to create artwork depicting music performed at National Philharmonic’s concerts throughout the season. Artwork is on display in the Orchestra Lobby of the Music Center at Strathmore the weekend of the concerts, on our website, and on social media. To date, 20 Montgomery County Schools grades K-12 and 600+ students have participated in the program.
To participate this season, please contact Co-Director of Learning & Engagement Tiffany Richardson for more information at tiffany@nationalphilharmonic.org
“…this was a truly amazing opportunity for my kiddos! Their art looked amazing… It was a really great experience.” Sara Lucas-Driess, Adaptive Art Specialist, Longview School
“They enjoyed this new kind of inspiration for their art.” MCPS HS Foundations of Art Teacher
For any questions, please contact NatPhil’s Co-Director of Learning and Engagement Tiffany Richardson at tiffany@nationalphilharmonic.org.
National Philharmonic relies on the generosity of its donors to continue bringing you the music. Your contribution is critical to our continued success.