Celebrating Arts in our Schools Month, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra offered performing and visual arts educators a free concert, “The Heart of the Arts: Celebrating ARTS Teachers,” March 23, at the Dr. Phillips Center Frontyard Festival.
“Central Florida Arts teachers have stepped up to thrive in spite of the challenging times in which we are living,” said Dr. Mary Palmer, president of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Directors. “Even in these challenging times, teachers have found new ways for students to engage in creating and sharing their work. The Orlando Philharmonic has created an evening of powerful music to celebrate and thank some of our HEROS: arts teachers in our community. They bring honor and joy to thousands of people as we look forward to a better future.”
For more than 20 years, the Orange County Public Schools and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra have partnered to offer students musical and cultural experiences, such as live concerts and in-school music lessons. This concert serves as a way to celebrate all that arts teachers do.
“Now more than ever it is critical that we recognize the incredible work of our visual and performing arts educators,” said Scott Evans, senior director of visual and performing arts. “Despite some challenging hurdles thrown in their way due to COVID-19, arts teachers have relentlessly worked to bust all barriers and provide our students with engaging arts learning experiences. Together with the Orlando Philharmonic, we are able to properly say thank you by providing them an evening of joy, relaxation, and appreciation. Arts educators are clearly some of the most important unsung heroes of this pandemic.”
The Frontyard Festival venue is outdoors with seating designed in pods for social distancing and safety.