Symphonic relevancy: Education and community engagement programs in Virginia

Symphonic Relevancy is a case study on the Education and Community Engagement Programs of the Roanoke Symphony and Virginia Symphony Orchestras. The paper explores how two orchestras of the eight geographic regions from the state of Virginia provide education and community engagement services to their respective markets in a quest to stay relevant to their communities. The Roanoke Symphony is situated in the southwestern portion of the state and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra is positioned in the southeastern region of the state. This research examines each orchestra’s role in its community for youth and adults, educational programming, community engagement activities, and the challenges that lie within. Data has been drawn from in-depth interviews, field research, and document analysis on the issues within each orchestra as it seeks to provide an accessible and enduring musical arts education in today’s changing world. The predominant theme of Symphonic Relevancy is the need to educate. It is the education of our youth in school, young adults in college, and adults in the community that is an ongoing process for each orchestra. It is revealed that symphony orchestras play a vital role in their community, and solidifying the role each orchestra plays is heavily dependent on its location. It is proven that geography is a major component in each community’s demographics and resources. Each orchestra will fulfil the needs of its community in a unique way, reveal the challenges presented, and work to remain relevant in its community.%%%%M.S., Arts Administration  – Drexel University, 2017