The Rose Ensemble offers fun and imaginative presentations and residencies that bring music to life through songs, instruments, and storytelling for grades K-12. Each program provides a window into distant times and places, tapping into themes directly relevant to the social and cultural issues of today’s world. With extensive research and culturally diverse content, Rose Ensemble educational programs have been presented to thousands of young people across the country.

What we offer:

• Engaging vocal and instrumental demonstrations by professional musicians
• Interactive group discussion and hands-on participation for all ages
• Customized residencies
• Activities designed for academic standards in music, history, geography, and world languages
• Tailored content for large or small classes and assemblies
• Educator study guides for the classroom
• Minimal setup and production requirements

The Rose Ensemble is listed with and funding is available through the following organizations:

• Young Audiences of Minnesota
• SPCO Connect

For more information about programs, rates, and availability, contact Jen Krook, Office Manager/Education & Outreach Coordinator, online or by calling 651-225-4340, ext. 203.

Current Programs

Hawai’i Revealed: Music from the Soul of the Hawaiian Saga

Discover Hawaii’s beautiful heritage revealed through its beautiful music! In this important program focusing on American history and Native American culture, students learn about the Hawaiians’ struggle to keep alive their rich musical and cultural traditions. By highlighting important time periods in Hawaiian history, Rose Ensemble members demonstrate oli and mele chants and paniolo (cowboy) songs of the migrant ranchers, and teach simple hula movements.  Listen to a Sample

Educational Standards: Music, Dance, World History, U.S. History, Foreign Languages, Geography

“I just wanted to extend a note of thanks for the spectacular Rose Ensemble performers who visited Linwood- Monroe last Friday. The students were engaged in music, dance, and cultural history of Hawaii. The vocalists were of the the highest echelon in talent and refinement. Congratulations to the Rose Ensemble for past success and a bright future.“
-Linwood-Monroe Arts Plus School (Monroe Campus)

Music from the Land of Three Faiths: Discovering Ancient Harmonies Across Cultures, Borders and Religions

Explore the fascinating music and culture of medieval Spain, where Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived together in a shared, artistic society. Demonstrating diversity and tolerance through music, this inspiring program features a wide variety of songs and highlights Middle Eastern instruments such as the riqq (tambourine), dumbek (drum), and rebec (fiddle). Listen to a Sample

Educational Standards: Music, World History, Foreign Languages, Geography

“Thank you for teaching us about Medieval music. Your instruments were really cool! Thank you for letting us ask questions and touch the instruments. You are one of our two favorites for the whole year in CONNECT!“ -Ms. Winther’s 5/6 graders, Highland Park Elementary

And Glory Shone Around: Early American Ballads, Hymns & Dances

Return to America’s folk roots in this fun program, featuring Appalachian folk songs, Southern shape-note singing, Shaker spiritual songs, and the styles of singing that give birth to bluegrass. In addition to engaging students in simple, call-and-response singing (including entertaining demonstrations on just how high and low the voice can go!), The Rose Ensemble musicians also demonstrate a variety of instruments including wooden flute, African-American gut strung gourd banjo, jaw harp, guitar, fiddle, and mandolin, with percussion provided by tambourine and stomping feet! Filled with sounds both familiar and fresh, this program explores our country’s history through its musical heritage and gets young people excited about feeling a beat – and singing! Listen to a Sample

Educational Standards: Music, U.S. History, Geography

Celebremos! Musical Collaborations in Colonial Baroque Mexico

Celebrate the holidays with this fascinating program featuring over two centuries of festive dances and songs from 17th century Mexico. Showcasing classical and folk instruments, The Rose Ensemble musicians help students explore collaborations among colonial Spaniards, African slaves, and native peoples. Listen to a Sample

Educational Standards: Music, World History, Foreign Languages, Geography

Residencies

The Rose Ensemble collaborates with teachers to reach young audiences with culturally rich, interactive arts experiences infused with standards-based content in Music, World Languages, Language Arts, Dance, Geography, and History. Additional instruction enhances music curriculum in tandem with educators’ learning objectives. Guided by members of The Rose Ensemble, students will increase and sharpen their skills in vocal production, rhythm, intonation, balance, diction, pronunciation, ensemble sensitivity, and projection of text. Singers will also learn vocal style, performance practice, and an array of ensemble-singing techniques that enhance the interpretation of any repertoire – all taught in a nurturing, supportive way. Activities include master classes, ensemble singing workshops, rehearsals, additional educational outreach performances in the community, and a culminating concert performance. The Rose Ensemble will collaborate with educators to define project expectations and outcomes, determine appropriate guides and materials to use in tandem with the themes being studied, and to implement an effective process of evaluation during and after the residency experience.

Overall goals of residency programs:

• Targeted, in-depth access to music instruction for students with limited opportunities to work with professional teaching artists
• Increased appreciation for and understanding of the choral traditions and instruments of different world cultures
• Enhanced cross-cultural understanding through discussions of music, language, and art from socially and culturally diverse, multi-faith societies