Education Takes the Stage was a great success.

Last Thursday WXXI and the RPO hosted its Education Takes the Stage luncheon at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Nearly 700 people came out to support the education programs of both organizations. The nearly sold-out crowd enjoyed a wonderful event, emceed by WXXI’s Brenda Tremblay, which included music by the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, a video that showcased the education programs of both WXXI and the RPO, and a live interview with the RPO's Music Director-Designate Arild Remmereit by our own Julia Figueras. Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks delivered welcoming remarks, and commented on how such a well-attended event proved that Rochesterians value the arts, and know how important arts education is in the lives of young people, as well as the young at heart.

We couldn’t agree more, as research has correlated music education to success in school. In fact, a recent study by the National Association of Music Education found that "students in high-quality music programs scored higher on standardized tests compared to students in schools with deficient music education programs, regardless of the socioeconomic level of the school or school district.” 

As schools all across the area are dealing with the challenges of reduced funding, arts programs are being decreased. Educators are looking to outside organizations such as the RPO and WXXI to help fill the gap in providing music and arts experiences. Interested in learning more about both WXXI and the RPO’s education programs? I invite you to watch this short video that was screened at our Education Takes a Stage event. And, if you were one of the attendees at the luncheon, I’d just like to thank you for your support.