Since 1993, Spivey Hall has offered varied music education programs for students, teachers, and adult musicians, now providing educational opportunities for 17,000 individuals annually. Commanding half of Spivey Hall’s schedule, these programs hold the greatest promise for the future, enriching the lives of individuals throughout greater Atlanta. Educational programs include Spivey Hall’s Young People’s Concerts, a school-year series of educational concerts offered to public, private, and home-school students in 18 metro counties; the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program, under the direction of Dr. Martha Shaw; the Spivey Hall Choral and Chamber Orchestra Workshops, designed to serve the area’s most talented students and teachers interested in creating choral and chamber orchestra music; Spivey Jam, a spring jazz band festival for high school jazz ensembles; an annual roster of master classes offered to advanced musicians and interested auditors; and professional development classes for Georgia’s music educators. In 2003, the Dana Foundation, in collaboration with the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, recognized Spivey Hall in its published report Acts of Achievement: The Role of Performing Arts Centers in Education, a national survey profiling performing arts centers’ outstanding service in educational programs. Spivey Hall, the only venue selected in Georgia, was praised for its diverse programs that “build bridges between individuals and the world of music by reaching area school students and their parents, some of whom have never heard quality music in a world-class facility before.” For 19 years, the hall has provided many projects which share the purpose of providing exemplary musical opportunities for a diverse community of young and adult learners. The success of Spivey Hall’s educational programs is due in large part to the Spivey Hall Education Committee. Formed in 1993, the Committee envisions ways that Spivey Hall can best serve as a music education resource to the schools and communities of metro Atlanta. Spearheaded by Jay Wucher, this collaboration among teachers, administrators, arts organizations, and families directly links the needs of Clayton State University’s service areas.
