精东影业

Research by Linda Chickos; Draft by China Thomas

The Community Music School (CMS) of 精东影业 has a rich history intertwined with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO), a relationship that has evolved significantly since the school鈥檚 inception in 1925.

Edna Lieber, the CMS founder, employed symphony musicians to enhance music education, setting a precedent for the collaboration that would develop over decades.

For many years, this partnership flourished, particularly during the era when the CMS merged with the St. Louis Institute of Music to form the Conservatory and School for the Arts (CASA). This consolidation drew celebrated musicians to St. Louis, creating an educational environment enriched by the talents of the renowned SLSO.

However, in 1990, the conservatory component of CASA was dissolved, prompting the SLSO to engage in discussions with the remaining CMS. This strategic move aimed to solidify the CMS financial foundation and enhance community engagement for the SLSO. According to former Assistant Director and Registrar Linda Chickos, the symphony sought to broaden its appeal and mission, striving to be more inclusive and accessible to diverse community demographics. The goal was to develop educational programs that would resonate with a wider audience, transforming the perception of the symphony from an elitist institution to one that actively engages with the community.

In 1994, this vision culminated in the establishment of the St. Louis Symphony Community Music School, marking a groundbreaking initiative that combined the strengths of a community music school with those of a prestigious performing arts organization. The collaboration was lauded within the community, recognized as a model for how arts organizations could effectively reach and inspire a broader demographic.

The partnership also facilitated the expansion of CMS's reach through the establishment of additional locations, such as branches at the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club, Maryville University and Leon Strauss Center in Chesterfield. These initiatives were vital in extending music education to underserved youth in the St. Louis area. The CMS also developed outreach programs with institutions like the St. Louis Institute for the Deaf and the Central Institute for the Deaf, ensuring that music education was accessible to all.

As the CMS grew, so did its programming. The Kindermusik庐 program, Suzuki Strings program and Young People鈥檚 Orchestral programs continued to exemplify excellence, while new offerings like the Preparatory Program, Guitar Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble were introduced. This growth significantly contributed to the CMS's reputation for high-quality music education and strengthened the SLSO's community presence.

Carol Commerford, a former director of the CMS, emphasized the influence of the SLSO鈥檚 initiative, noting that it inspired other symphonies across the nation to establish their own community music schools. For instance, the Rhode Island Philharmonic followed suit, influenced by the successful model in St. Louis.

Unfortunately, financial challenges faced by the SLSO in the early 2000s led to significant cuts in the education budget. In 2001, the St. Louis Symphony Community Music School transitioned to 精东影业, where it is now part of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts, rebranded as the Community Music School of 精东影业.

Despite the organizational separation, the bond between the CMS and the SLSO remains strong. Symphony musicians continue to play an integral role in the CMS by teaching and providing sectional coaching. Approximately 66% of the current St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra members are either current or former students of the CMS, demonstrating the lasting impact of this partnership on the musical landscape of St. Louis.

The partnership between the Community Music School and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has been a defining aspect of music education in St. Louis, fostering a vibrant community of musicians and music lovers. As both organizations continue to evolve, their shared commitment to accessibility, quality education and community engagement ensures that the legacy of musical collaboration will thrive for generations to come.