Fellows Fostering Future Musicians

Did you know that the Iris Fellows conduct in-school string instruction 5 days a week, totaling more than 550 hours in a school year?

Iris Artist Fellows regularly work with 125 children in 3rd through 12th grades, helping to build and bolster the in-school orchestra programs at Rozelle Elementary for the Creative and Performing Arts, Treadwell Elementary, Cummings K-8, and Middle College High School. That's over 550 hours of music instruction the Memphis Shelby County School System wouldn't have without this partnership. These schools serve 99% BIPOC students, 89% of whom qualify for free or reduced lunch.

The students who participate in Iris's in-school programming showed academic growth (such as increased average math scores), improved attendance and behavior, and, of course, increased musical skills.

But one of the most important tenets these students have learned is that music is an option for them. For many, it's the first time they've seen music as a path in college or possibly a career. Last month, we facilitated all of our schools visiting the University of Memphis alongside our professional musicians for a day of fun, learning and mentorship. In the beautiful Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center they were even able to gather on stage together for a shared moment that will last a lifetime. 

“Part of the Iris Fellowship is to build community engagement programs that focus on social and emotional learning through music, mentorship, inspiration, and social equity. ”

You can also find the Fellows bringing their instrument “petting zoo” and performing engaging concerts at Germantown Community Theatre, Collierville Museum of History and MOSD, just to name a few.