December 11, 2024
By Shelby Slade
Music strikes a powerful cord in our hearts. It unites us, expresses emotions we can’t put words to and enriches our lives.
The Phoenix Symphony, founded in 1947, has been tapping into that wellspring power for decades through its moving concerts and performances.
But that’s just one piece of what the Phoenix Symphony is doing with music. It’s also using it as a tool to reach underserved students and help them learn math and sciences.
Through its Mind over Music program, Phoenix Symphony musicians work with teachers to help students learn key academic concepts, critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork through music.
The Phoenix Symphony previously received a grant from The Arizona Republic’s Season for Sharing campaign grant to assist with expenses for the Mind Over Music program. The campaign has raised and given away more than $74 million to Arizona nonprofits since 1993.
Make a donation to Season for Sharing by clicking here.
The nonprofit’s responses to The Republic’s questions have been edited for length and clarity.
What is your organization’s mission?
To provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and advance our community, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.
How many people do you help each year?
In addition to our mainstage concerts, The Phoenix Symphony Learning Institute operates a varied group of programs that reach over 125,000 students, adults, and families every year.
What inspires the work of your organization?
The Phoenix Symphony is inspired by the community we serve. The Symphony aspires to perform live symphonic music of excellence, beauty, and vitality at a consistently high level. We aim to address the needs of communities throughout the Valley, meeting their needs through music-based programs. Additionally, concerts follow a selection of seasonal programs designed to attract a diverse audience.
How does your organization help make Arizona a better place for Arizonans?
From outstanding classical programming to lively Pops performances and beyond, our world-class artistry is on display throughout each season. We are Arizona’s largest arts organization and are committed to uplifting our cultural landscape—an essential contributor to economic growth in the Valley. Arts organizations contribute more than $1.1 billion in economic impact annually to Phoenix, creating a robust cultural economy that benefits everyone. Additionally, through our community outreach programs, we’re strengthening lives—helping children excel in school, introducing people of all ages to the arts, and providing a comforting presence in healthcare settings. Music not only uplifts spirits but also enhances mental and physical well-being, allowing many community members to enjoy a richer quality of life.
How does the Phoenix Symphony help educate Arizona students?
Addressing education gaps in Arizona schools, The Phoenix Symphony’s Mind Over Music program is an alternative learning method that uses music to teach STEM subjects to underserved students. Mind Over Music operates with one goal: to impact student achievement in STEM learning by supporting teachers in improving student outcomes in school subjects. The Phoenix Symphony is one of a select group of orchestras in the country to implement a quantitatively measured school instructional model based on STEM theory and practice.
The Symphony plans to schedule the Mind Over Music program at nine schools; five are Title 1 schools, and four are adaptive learning schools. Grade levels range from kindergarten through high school. Approximately 1,800 students will participate. In addition, another 3,200 students are expected to participate in our Arts Experience Program, receiving music education from field trips and school assemblies.
What are your organization’s greatest needs?
The Phoenix Symphony is focused on expanding our volunteer network. A growing volunteer base can provide vital support for various Symphony functions, from events to community outreach.
We offer several volunteer opportunities, both at concerts and at special events. To learn more, please visit www.phoenixsymphony.org/your-support/volunteer.
How to donate to Season for Sharing
There are several ways you can donate to Season for Sharing and help organizations like the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired continue to help families in need.
- Fill out the secure online form at sharing.azcentral.com.
- Text “SHARING” to 91-999 and click on the link in the text message.
- Go online at facebook.com/seasonforsharing and look for the featured “DONATE HERE” post.
- Clip the coupon on Page 4A of The Arizona Republic, fill it out and mail it to P.O. Box 29250, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9250.
