BCOC’s innovative education and outreach program focuses on developing young musicians and building the audience of the future. We seek to raise an awareness of Baroque music and performance style in the 21st century, for listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Baroque con Brio
Baroque con Brio is a new youth ensemble dedicated to spirited performances of music from the 17th and 18th centuries. The ensemble provides an exciting opportunity for talented high-school-aged musicians to explore Baroque music under the guidance and coaching of BCOC musicians.
These young musicians perform Baroque repertoire not typically encountered in youth orchestras or school programs, and learn about historical performance practices.
To learn more, visit www.baroqueconbrio.org.
Partnership with Boulder Suzuki Strings
BCOC has an ongoing partnership with Boulder Suzuki Strings, the largest Suzuki program on the Colorado Front Range. Directed by Amy Gesmer-Packman, the program has more than 230 students and 10 teachers, with an important connection to the University of Colorado.
Once a year, BCOC presents a group of Boulder Suzuki students performing Baroque pieces in one of our regular concerts. With a number of our musicians actively practicing as Suzuki teachers, BCOC is exploring the connections between the Suzuki method and early-music performance.
For information about Boulder Suzuki Strings, visit www.bouldersuzukistrings.org.
Rehearsal Visits by 5th Graders
BCOC is honored by periodic visits from 5th graders from Denver and Aurora schools. Typically up to 100 students come for an up-close observation of a working rehearsal, in which BCOC musicians prepare for an upcoming concert. Before and after the rehearsal period, the 5th graders learn about music and instruments from the Baroque period.
Workshops and Masterclasses
Once a year, BCOC sponsors a workshop or masterclass, led by a leading artist or ensemble in the historically informed performance arena. Artists have included violinists Robert Mealy and Marilyn McDonald, soprano Jennifer Lane, and the Novello Quartet. The workshops and masterclasses are open to the public for both participants and observers.
