Stars That Twinkle
It all begins with an idea.
Celebrating 40 Years in The Community
A unique fundraising event that promises to be both entertaining and inspiring! Local celebrities will take the stage to showcase their musical skills in a lighthearted violin competition. Our esteemed judging panel will choose winners in a variety of categories including audience favorite. Come ready to vote and make a difference in our community!
The Evening:
5:00 Cocktail Hour.
6:00 Dinner & Live Auction.
8:00 Showtime starring Rockford Celebrities, Measure 5, and Cello Choir.
9:00 Post-show.
Much to celebrate: Our growing role in the community
Because of granting agencies, we have been able to better serve this wonderful Community. This year we received funding from the Kjellstrom Family Foundation to fund our Winter Workshop and The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to fund our Music Academy Connects project which has allowed us to leave our building and provide innovative and engaging musical experiences in our community.
Student Performances and Workshops
It all begins with an idea.
Strings Performance at Sky Rise Apartments: Strings students provided residents with a charming performance.
Highlight: a 92-year-old resident recognized and remembered words to Dvorak’s Humoresque (from a commercial).
*Funded by CFNIL
Winter Workshop: Piano, guitar, and wind students spent the day with the Aglow Trio. They composed original works, recorded solo performances, and participated in masterclasses.
Highlight: Clinician, Alyssa Morris: “I perform to bless not impress.”
*Funded by the Kjellstrom Family Foundation
Ice Hogs Game: Strings students performed the National Anthem at an Ice Hogs Game on Valentines Day.
Highlight: A first for us and for the Ice Hogs. They have not had an orchestra perform the Star Spangled Banner.
Crowd size was between 4,000-5,000 people!
Faculty Recital and Instrument Demos
It all begins with an idea.
Family-friendly Faculty Recital: Faculty performed for a new audience at the Rockford Public Library. Children participated in engaging listening activities which included movement, mood identification, and listening bingo.
Highlight: “More Events Like These,” was written on a survey following the concert!
*Funded by CFNIL
Holiday Sing-along: We held our annual Holiday Sing Along at City Hall.
Highlight: City Hall looks and sounds BEAUTIFUL!
*Funded by CFNIL
Music at the Museum Discovery Center: In collaboration with Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra, we provided demonstrations and a string-instrument petting zoo at the grand opening of a new musical exhibit The Discovery Center Museum
Highlight: Parents asking us what else they can do to help their kids develop a love of music.
*Funded by CFNIL