In September 2005, The Philadelphia Orchestra introduced its School Partnership Program (SPP), establishing ongoing, in-depth relationships with partnering schools in the Philadelphia region.  Through this program, the Orchestra cultivates students’ knowledge and love of orchestral music, develops students’ perceptive and creative skills, and helps parents and teachers bring classical music into their homes and classrooms.

The School Partnership Program offers students incomparable exposure and access to the Philadelphia Orchestra and its musicians.  At each school, a Philadelphia Orchestra Teaching Artist has a weekly presence in participating classrooms.  They work side-by-side with classroom teachers using a curriculum and materials created by the Orchestra’s education department in collaboration with teaching artists and classroom teachers.  The classes also attend Orchestra School Concerts several times throughout the year (usually four or five performances).  Several members of the Orchestra, guest artists, and guest composers visit each school annually, providing participating students the opportunity to engage with a range of musicians who they will see onstage in Verizon Hall.

Major funding for The Philadelphia Orchestra’s School Partnership Program comes from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. Additional support provided by Campbell Soup Foundation, Comcast Foundation,Wachovia Foundation, Lincoln Financial Group Foundation, Connelly Foundation,the Hamilton Family Foundation, Loeb Student Education Fund, and the Presser Foundation.

Participating Schools for the 2008-09 School Year:

R.T. Cream Family School, Camden City Public School
Principal: Ms. Joy Carey
Grade levels participating in program: 3 and 4
Joined program: September 2005
Number of students participating: 150
Website: http://www.camden.k12.nj.us/S/Cream/index.htm

Robert Fulton School, Philadelphia Public School
Principal: Ms. Deborah Lee
Grade levels participating in program: 3 and 4
Joined program: September 2006
Number of students participating: 120

Gesu School, an independent Catholic school
Principal: Sr. Ellen Convey
Grade levels participating in program: 3, 4, and 5
Joined program: September 2005
Number of students participating: 145
Website: www.gesuschool.org

William H. Hunter Elementary School, Philadelphia Public School
Principal: Mr. James Douglass
Grade levels participating in program: 3, 4 and 5
Joined program: September 2006
Number of students participating: 180
Website: http://www.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/hunter/

Gen. Philip Kearny School, School District of Philadelphia
Principal: Ms. Eileen Spagnola
Grade levels participating in program: 3, 4, and 5
Joined program: September 2005
Number of students participating: 170
Website: Information is available on the district’s website at www.phila.k12.pa.us.