City of Rochester
News Release
ROCmusic Students to Perform Free Holiday Concert
(Monday, December 15, 2014) – “ROC the Night Away,” a one hour winter holiday concert will be presented by the students of ROCmusic in conjunction with the local classical music group Sound Exchange Wednesday, December 17 from 6 to 7 p.m., at the David F. Gantt R-Center at 700 North St.
This free concert is open to the general public and the whole family is invited to enjoy Christmas, Hanukkah, and Pop favorites including ‘Feliz Navidad!’ and ‘What a Wonderful World.’
“The City of Rochester is thrilled to be among the partners of the ROCmusic after-school education program, which brings tuition-free music and string instruction to our children,” said Mayor Lovely Warren. “We are grateful for this program, which enriches the lives of our youth and provides a wonderful way for them to be creative and to gain skills and self-confidence.”
“Not only do the children benefit from superior instruction, but the community can enjoy the free concerts at our R-Centers and other venues,” added Commissioner Marisol Ramos-Lopez, Department of Recreation and Youth Services. “The concerts by ROCmusic are performed directly in the neighborhoods of the youth who participate in the program.”
Other community partners of ROCmusic include Hochstein School of Music & Dance, Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), Eastman Community Music School, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rochester City School District.
The ROCMusic Program received a $100,000 grant from the Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation. This grant was awarded to the Hochstein School on behalf of the ROCMusic Partnership and funds a program director, a general music teacher and string teachers. It also covers sheet music, music books, musical instruments, start-up office materials, daily program supplies, student snacks and parent information materials.
ROCMusic is a unique educational program that engages children and their families in the experience of making and appreciating music. The program is a joint partnership between the City of Rochester, Eastman School of Music, Eastman Community Music School, Hochstein School of Music & Dance, Rochester City School District and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. ROCMusic operates three days a week during the school year at the David F. Gantt R-Center. Visit: www.cityofrochester.gov/rocmusic or call Alexander Peña at 585-490-1559.
The "R-Centers" branding is the City of Rochester's fresh approach to recreation and community centers. R-Centers provide safe, accessible environments where youth and adults can take advantage of first-rate programs and facilities designed to promote healthy living, education, creativity, self-discovery and positive relationships.
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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo, 428-7135.