A new program in the West Virginia University School of Music will allow K-12 students to learn about music through live performance, all free of charge.

Creativity Academy is an educational matinee program based out of WVU’s Creative Arts Center on the Evansdale campus in Morgantown. The series of weekday matinee performances is open to all grades and ages from public schools, private schools and homeschool groups. The performances provide an opportunity to enhance school curriculum and expose students to the arts.

The 2019-20 performance schedule is:

Sept. 26: Symphony Orchestra
Nov. 5: Percussion Ensemble
Dec. 6: University Chorus
March 10, 2020: Wind Symphony
April 7, 2020: Jazz Ensemble
Supplemental study materials specific to each concert will be made available to schools with suggestions for in-class discussions to expand the learning experience beyond the concert hall.

All Creativity Academy performances start at 10 a.m. and are typically 75 minutes in length without intermission. While both student and chaperone tickets are free, all attendees must have a reserved seat.

“The Creativity Academy is a natural extension of our deep commitment to serving the people of the state of West Virginia,” said Michael Ibrahim, director of WVU’s School of Music. “My colleagues and I are excited to bring future Mountaineers to the Creative Arts Center, and to cultivate a culture with a lifelong love of music.”