The Gateway Chamber Orchestra was formed in 2008 and is recognized as one of the leading new American ensembles. Comprised of professional musicians from Middle Tennessee and beyond, the GCO specializes in presenting masterworks of the past and present including traditional works, overlooked treasures, and contemporary American works. The GCO’s recordings have received critical acclaim in publications such as the American Record Guide and Fanfare Magazine. Engaging 5,000 Middle Tennessee students annually with classical music through free performances, innovative educational outreach, and interactive Children’s Concerts, the GCO is committed to building new audiences for tomorrow. Visit gatewaychamberorchestra.com to learn more.
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
The GCO pairs with visual artists Black & Jones for an informative look at the instruments of the orchestra with the help of Alberto Ginastera’s ‘Variaziones Concertantes.’ Students will be exposed to live performance of a professional chamber orchestra and the instruments and performers that make it up. Visual accompaniment will deepen students’ appreciation for the individual performers as well as the Latin American culture to be found within Ginastera’s work.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
The GCO pairs with pianist Jeffrey Biegel, author Anna Celenza and visual artists Black & Jones for an informative look at George Gershwin’s masterpiece – ‘Rhapsody in Blue.’ Celenza will narrate her popular children’s book describing the origins of the famous work, to be followed by a complete performance of the original Whitman Band arrangement. Students will be exposed to live performance of one of the greatest works in American musical history in an entertaining yet informative fashion.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
In the weeks prior to the formal ‘Enchanting Tales’ concert members of the GCO will visit Tennessee middle and high school instrumental music classrooms to perform and engage students in a hands-on program based on the literature. Students will be exposed to live performances of established masterworks of the past as well as a new American work. Literature will include Giochinno Rossini’s overture to ‘Il signor Bruschino’, Jeffrey Wood’s ‘Different Bodies’ (world première) and Maurice Ravel’s ‘Ma mère l’oye’ (Mother Goose.)
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
