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Community

Ritz Chamber Players Community Initiatives

Providing valuable community resources is vital to our mission! 

The Ritz Chamber Players Education Initiatives introduce children to classical music and the concert-going experience; and foster a lasting and meaningful relationship between the arts and the community.

Through our Community Initiatives, the Ritz Chamber Players aid students in the increase of their knowledge of the arts, culture, as well as create and sustain an environment that supports intellectual inquiry, cultural enhancement, and awareness of broader issues.

Scholarships

The Mini Ritz Conservatory provides complete funding to send minority students to the Prelude Chamber Music Camp. The program offers young musicians the opportunity to experience chamber music by participating and performing in small ensembles with guidance and training provided by professional musicians. The Prelude Chamber Music Camp was founded in 2002 by Jeanne Majors, violinist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, and is held at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church during the first two weeks of June. For more information, go to http://www.preludechambermusic.org

In the future, we hope to expand this program to support minority students at other music camps around the country.

Elderly Outreach

The Ritz Chamber Players recognizes the importance of outreach efforts in the elderly community with special performances at the NBA Cypress Village and Vicar’s Landing. In addition to bringing our musicians into these senior centers, the Ritz Chamber Players often seeks to arrange special transportation and catering to help bring these seniors to our Concert Series at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts to enjoy a wonderful evening of art and entertainment.

Educational Activities

In-School Performances/Informances: A series of daytime concerts designed to introduce major chamber music works and composers of classical music to students and teachers and share our knowledge and enthusiasm for music with aspiring musicians.

Music Mentor Program/In-School Coachings: Members of the Ritz Chamber Players provide the instrumental students at Butler with mini-lessons, chamber coachings, and sectional rehearsals.

RCP Open Rehearsals: Throughout the season students are welcome to observe the Ritz Chamber Players in rehearsal. This provides a better understanding of the music-making process and the amount of time and energy required to create a first-class performance. Students also have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the musicians.