Arts Access

Barriers identified were: 1. It is too expensive to attend concerts as a family, 2. Traditional classical music concerts are too long for young children, and the format is not conducive to quality time between parents and children, and 3. Traditional concert format produces anxiety in parents about how their child/ren will behave. We addressed these barriers by making concerts free for children and students, making concerts one hour long and creating an environment that is child-friendly (tables set up with coloring activities, snacks provided, doors left open with easy access to hallway and bathrooms), and by programming movements of classical music rather than complete works. We announced at every concert that it is okay for children to make some noise, dance, move around, exclaim at exciting moments, etc. We evaluated if this worked by speaking and handing out surveys to willing parents and children after concerts while they looked more closely at instruments and met musicians. 2: Because of Lyra's Family Concerts and Lyra Youth baroque orchestra, families were able to attend classical music concerts at a very low price, and participate in a very high quality arts experience. Additionally, 14 young musicians (under 18) participated in a performance with Lyra musicians, received coaching to prepare for these performances, and were able to play with baroque bows and harpsichords. This project outcome is very clear, and measured simply by attendance, and Lyra Youth participation, which was kept track of by staff and volunteers.