Classical for Schools
"Classical for Schools" sparks intellectual growth and inspires kids to give classical a chance, making it fun and challenging their notion about what is possible when one begins with "classical". The program begins with a lecture performance for kids in at-risk and culturally underserved communities. Then, international countertenor, Terry Barber works individually with students to nurture potential leaders that can have a lasting impact in their community.
Creating an environment for self-expression through art has many benefits. Children can often express through art what they cannot in words. In order to express oneself artistically, a person must become vulnerable. We create a work environment of acceptance, which opposes bullying and judgement. Children have the potential to really connect across socioeconomic boundaries, recognizing that all people have talents. Through this work, they will know and understand each other on a deeper level, creating a more unified community.
Spend a memorable 45 minutes listening to the astounding vocal stylings of internationally acclaimed countertenor, Terry Barber. Using the rarest of voice types, Barber entertains and educates students, inspiring them about the importance of arts education and a classical foundation within the arts. Barber challenges students’ notions about what is possible with the human singing voice, presenting material in a wide range both of pitch and style, beginning with classical, and bridging the gap into other forms like musical theater and even popular music. Additionally, Terry offers a private coaching with up to three voice students, overseen and selected by their music educator.
Mr. Barber has been featured on the world’s most storied stages from Carnegie Hall to Moscow’s Svetlanov Hall. A former member of the Grammy-winning group Chanticleer, Terry's voice can be heard on every major record label, with a range of artists from Madonna to the London Philharmonic. In “performances of great vitality and verve,” Terry makes classical, fun! -L.A. Times
Following four performances for elementary through high school in Wisconsin;
“Your entertaining performance had just the right elements to keep the students’ attention including both education material, and literature that they would be familiar with. Thank you, Terry, for a wonderful time”.
- Paul Tropp, Edgerton Performing Arts Center
Throughout the season Terry has impacted more than 10K in the USA and Canada, inspiring them about the importance of arts education and a classical foundation within that.
In Guelph, Ontario at the River Run Center, in 6 performances for 4,000 junior high students:
“You are absolutely incredible. Wow, Terry. Please share what you have with anyone/everyone who will listen. You are one of those artists that stops the breath of a crowd. It was wonderful to watch the students react, witness, and digest the capacity of the human voice. The payoff was palpable”.
-Jen Rafter, Cultural Program and Event Coordinator Culture, Tourism and Community Investment, Public Services, City of Guelph
"Terry Barber presented a selection of classical and opera music to a school in Northern Ontario 
populated by students who had very limited exposure to that genre of music. The students were spellbound by his voice and his easy going stage presence. In fact, one 16 year old country music fan who missed the show asked me to play his CD in class the next day because of how her friends were moved by the performance. I highly recommend his performance for schools who, like ours, are facing cutbacks in funding for music and dramatic arts programs."
- Peter Shipman, Teacher of Science, Cross Country and Track and Field, Elliot Lake School
“A musical experience; entertaining beyond what we imagined “classical” could be, and yet informative and inspiring. His use of voice challenges what we thought possible and every performance is delivered as a piece of theater. He took our audience by the hand and helped them to connect with the art, resulting in laughs, tears, and a real connection with this genuine artist we can’t wait to invite back. His concert was among our all-time favorites”.
– Julie Hassett, Executive Director, Colorado River Concert Association
“The arts are a powerful tool that impacts both educational development and value systems. I am proud to use my talent to have a positive effect on so many children throughout the USA and Canada”.
- Terry Barber, Executive Director, Artists for a Cause
