To support school orchestras,
TFO teaches the teachers
When Meghan Lance took over as the
orchestra director at Thurgood Marshall
Fundamental Middle School, she had her
work cut out for her. Trained as a singer and
chorus teacher, Mrs. Lance knew music, but
guiding an orchestra was a big leap. She was
a great candidate for The Florida Orchestra’s
Teaching Artist Partnership Program, a
resource for school orchestras in conjunction
with Pinellas County schools.
For the first year of the program in 2017, Mrs.
Lance worked closely with TFO Teaching
Artist and violinist Kristin Baird. She got
regular classroom visits, private music
lessons, and learned how to teach strings
from a real pro. Baird spent half of her time
in the schools and the other half on stage
with The Florida Orchestra.
That’s what makes TFO’s two Teaching Artists unique. As professional performing
musicians, Teaching Artists spend a lot of time demonstrating artistic excellence so
that students will understand just how beautiful a stringed instrument can sound.
We hope to inspire students to continue playing and appreciating music. That’s the
biggest impact TFO can make.
A big part of the TFO program is teaching the teachers, but students benefit the most.
TFO encourages partner schools to play in the lobby before concerts as well as attend
orchestra performances.
“They love it,” Mrs. Lance said. “They loved performing at the Coffee concert … And
they love that Ms. Kristin visits the classroom and then they get to see her play in the
orchestra. They absolutely enjoy having the Teaching Artists come in and work with
us!”
For Mrs. Lance, the TFO partnership has paid off where it matters. “The knowledge I’ve
gained, and that these kids have received as a result of these teaching artists has, in
my opinion, been immeasurable. … I couldn’t have done it without the partnership.”
THE FLORIDA OR 22 CHESTRA | 2018-2019