The Business Association of Mt. Airy (BAM), is hosting the Curtis Institute of Music Community Engagement Program on Friday, September 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sedgwick Theater to perform “The Musical Toolbox.”

The Curtis Community Engagement Programs provide an introduction to classical music for children ages 5-12. The evening’s concert will be performed by three Curtis students who will demonstrate the basic elements of music through performance and audience interaction and will share their experiences as musicians.

Vocalist Sean Plumb, baritone; Jordan Dodson, classical guitarist; and Daniel Temkin, composer and percussionist, will introduce the concepts of melody, rhythm, and harmony/accompaniment through live performance. This exciting and fun interactive performance will culminate in the group’s collaborative composition of an improvised piece of music.

"We are delighted to bring a taste of Curtis to Mt. Airy’s Finally Friday. Performing for a wide variety of audiences gives our students the opportunity to engage with their community and to develop skills that are increasingly important for successful and satisfying careers as musicians," said Mary Loiselle, Director of Community Engagement and Career Development Services.

This free concert is part of the Curtis Community Engagement Program, which aims to bring classical music to young people and others in the Philadelphia community who may not otherwise have access to music. By offering opportunities for students to perform in the community, the program also provides training and practical experience to Curtis students in presenting interactive educational programs to children and members of the public who have little or no experience with classical music. Curtis students perform in the community through the Albert M. Greenfield Concerts, which provide interactive educational presentations for students in area schools, hospitals, senior centers, and community venues. 

The Curtis Institute of Music educates and trains exceptionally gifted young musicians for careers as performing artists on the highest professional level. One of the world's leading conservatories, Curtis is highly selective, with an enrollment of about 165. In this intimate environment, students receive personalized attention from a celebrated faculty. A busy schedule of performances is at the heart of Curtis's distinctive "learn by doing" approach, which has produced an impressive number of notable artists since the school's founding in Philadelphia in 1924. Grounded in this rich heritage, Curtis is looking to the future in a flexible and forward-thinking way, evolving strategically to serve its time-honored mission.

The September 28 Finally Friday in Mt. Airy’s theme is “Mt. Airy Local” and will take place on Germantown Avenue between Mt. Pleasant and Mt. Airy Avenues, beginning around 5:30 pm. Businesses will stay open late and offer themed specials, while special guest artists and craft vendors animate the sidewalks with hand crafted items for sale. Other events that evening include a grand opening celebration and gallery show at Ground Zero Salon (7119 Germantown Ave.), a special tasting event and sale at Doc C Custom Clotheir (7150 Germantown Ave.) and a gallery show at Mt. Airy Contemporary Artists Space (25 W. Mt. Airy Ave.)