Akron Life November 2023

The Children’s Concert Society also offers opportunities for students to participate in musical composition. Students enter their original compositions under the auspices of their schools or private music teachers. All compositions are reviewed by a panel of judges, and the first-place winners premiere their works at a recital at the Akron Woman’s City Club. Some winners have gone on to compose professionally. Donations and grants from the Ohio Arts Council, local foundations, organizations and individual donors support the Children’s Concert Society, and it also receives volunteer support. The University of Akron’s School of Music has been supportive and involved in the Children’s Concert Society through judging and providing performing groups for both concert hall and in-school concerts. The Children’s Concert Society board works year-round to provide high quality concerts that expand the hearts and minds of children. The impact has been widespread.

“Since 1948, the Children’s Concert Society has created over 2,000,000 musical memories for area children. We are trying to build a cultural community that has shared experiences,” says Pinsky. “That’s why we do it. We love children. We love music.” There is no other similar opportunity for school children to hear, see or participate in such varied musical programs in the Summit County

area. Each year, over 30,000 students, teachers and parents clap their hands and tap their toes in gratitude to the Children’s Concert Society for bringing live music to them in so many ways. The Children’s Concert Society’s musical magic will continue for many years to come.

CHILDREN’S CONCERT SOCIETY THROUGH THE YEARS

1972: For its 25th anniversary, the Children’s Concert Society’s office and programs were moved to the new E.J. Thomas Hall. 1972: To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the National Ballet Co. performed “Coppelia” for 12,000 children.

1940s: The Akron Symphony Orchestra’s Women’s Educational Committee brought live musical programs to Akron children. When the orchestra temporarily shut down, the committee wanted to continue providing musical opportunities for children. 1948: Betty King and Francia Albrecht transformed the Women’s Educational Committee into the Children’s Concert Society. The first concert was performed by the Cleveland Orchestra at the Akron Armory. 1953: The Children’s Concert Society became the first organization in the country to offer opportunities for students to create their own musical compositions through an annual Scholastic Composers Contest. 1954: It introduced the In-school Concert Series that is still thriving today.

1997: For its 50th anniversary, the Children’s Concert Society moved its concerts to the Akron Civic Theatre. 2023: In April, for its 75th anniversary, the Children’s Concert Society presented the Freedom Brass Band for kindergartners through third graders and celebrated with a commissioned musical piece, “The Many Moods of Music,” composed by James Wilding.

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NOVEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com