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Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra outlines education, inclusive programming and regional plans
Summary
The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra executive director outlined JCSO's mission, recent programs that reached more than 700 students, education innovations including a Minecraft-based curriculum and a K-pop EDU program, and plans for sensory-friendly concerts funded in part by a National Endowment for the Arts grant.
Phil Kim, executive director of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, presented the organization's mission to serve Johns Creek and the North Metro Atlanta area with professional performances, education and outreach. He described three programming pillars — classical masterworks, pops programming and community education — and noted the orchestra’s 2007 founding and an upcoming 20th anniversary season aligned with the city.
Kim said the orchestra recently bussed more than 700 fifth-grade students from seven elementary schools to a Meet the Orchestra event at Mount Pisgah as part of an expanded school outreach effort. He described partnerships with Fulton County’s performing-arts director, the John Street Art Center and regional venues including Autry Mill, and said JCSO plans smaller “run out” ensemble shows to reach new audiences.
Programming innovations include a music-and-technology initiative using Minecraft to engage young students and a K-pop EDU program that adapts professional arrangements for high-school bands and orchestras. Kim said JCSO is also expanding accessibility programming: a "Music is Healing" series and sensory-friendly concerts, some supported by a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and confirmed that students under 21 are admitted free to regular concerts.
Kim noted recent leadership changes, including the hiring of conductor Henry Chang, and said JCSO is pursuing regional and international collaborations (the orchestra toured Vietnam recently). Board members and residents asked about rehearsal sites (Mount Pisgah), marketing channels (website and social media) and opportunities for small-ensemble or side-by-side student performances; Kim said the organization is prioritizing improved outreach and marketing to increase local awareness.
Kim pledged to keep the board informed about concert dates and community programs and encouraged board members to help amplify JCSO events through city communication channels.
