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"The Merck Arts Education Center is a great asset to
Philadelphia's schoolchildren. It's a partnership that benefits thousands
of kids."
— Paul Vallas, CEO, Philadelphia School District
Tomorrow's passionate audience member or virtuoso musician is today's inquisitive fifth-grader. That's why the Kimmel Center Education Department offers education programs in music, movement and the theater arts. The free classes are designed to support national arts curriculum standards and are available to schools throughout the Philadelphia region. The Merck Arts Education Center's innovative technologies, such as computer touch screens and flexible performance spaces, help students understand the basics of music and performance. Master classes offer talented middle- and high-school students the opportunity to play with and learn from world-class musicians. A summer arts camp, pre-concert lectures and open rehearsals provide varied learning experiences for students of all ages. The Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble introduces gifted students to a professional-level musical experience, offers them training with accomplished musicians and provides the opportunity to perform as part of a cohesive ensemble on stage.
8,000 students enrolled in educational programs since opening —