School Programs
We firmly believe that live performances by outstanding musicians can be transformative for students. We believe that it is vital not only to offer artistic inspiration to students, but also to provide opportunities for them to engage with diverse groups of successful professional musicians, enabling them to envision future pathways in the arts. We work with DC public school teachers and with our guest artists to develop relevant, engaging programming that integrates with the curriculum.
Catalyst Quartet to Perform for DC Students
In December of 2025, Chiarina will bring the acclaimed Catalyst Quartet to perform for DC secondary school students. Known for their persistent advocacy of composers from groups traditionally underrepresented in classical music, the Catalyst Quartet will perform a program that includes a piece by DC native George Walker.
Learn More
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: School Visits and Family Performance
Chiarina is excited to collaborate with musicologist and children’s book author Anna Harwell Celenza to present the story of Vivaldi’s beloved “Four Seasons” concerti, featuring violinist Audrey Wright performing the dazzling solo part. We will perform this program for 3rd through 5th graders at two DCPS schools as well as for family audiences.
Learn More
Imani Winds Inspire DC Students
We were delighted to partner with the groundbreaking Imani Winds, known for their innovative educational initiatives, to present workshops at two neighborhood public secondary schools in December of 2024.
Learn More
Carnival of the Animals: School and Family Performances
In May 2025, Chiarina performed Saint-Saëns’s imaginative work Carnival of the Animals for DCPS 3rd through 5th graders from Brent, Maury, and Van Ness Elementary Schools. We also performed this program for DC families. Narration and projected images helped audiences learn about how the contrasting sounds of eleven instruments are used to portray the lion, elephant, swan, and more.
Learn More
Harlem’s Little Blackbird
In 2024, Chiarina artistic directors Efi Hackmey (piano) and Carrie Bean Stute (cello) were joined by soprano Melissa Wimbish, violinist Meredith Riley, and violist Celia Hatton to present our family concert program “Harlem’s Little Blackbird” at three DC public schools: Brent Elementary, Maury Elementary, and Payne Elementary.
Learn More
School Visits: Attacca and Aizuri Quartets
In the fall of 2022, Chiarina was thrilled to present the Grammy-winning Attacca Quartet at three DC public schools: Stuart-Hobson Middle School, Eliot-Hine Middle School, and Eastern High School. This visit was funded through the Capitol Hill Community Foundation’s inaugural John Franzén Award for the Arts.
Learn More