In 2024, Chops is partnering with The Ordway’s ‘Beyond The Stage’ program to create marching arts opportunities for Twin Cities youth. With an inaugural residency this month at Hidden River Middle School in St. Paul, Chops and the Ordway are working together to bring drumline into urban public-school classrooms.
Throughout January, Chops will work with The Ordway to provide a first-of-its kind residency centered around marching arts and creating access to the Minnesota Percussion Association (MPA) community. With the dedicated support of Hidden River's music director Emma Fischer, Chops will provide in-class education in marching arts and drumline education to Hidden River music students. At the end of the residency, students will attend and perform at the MPA competition on February 10th.
“This team is willing to experiment with a new way of getting students into drumline and onto the stage” said Michael Finney, Chops' artist-in-residence for the project. “Maia, director of the Ordway’s program, is so motivated, and Teacher Fischer is working tirelessly to build music opportunities at Hidden River.”
The performance opportunity on February 10th is supported by the Chops' new collaboration with MPA's accessibility project. “Students are benefitting from this innovative collaboration, and from the support of organizations like The Ordway. The Ordway sees the value in bringing performance opportunities to our urban public schools," said Michael.
A fervent supporter of these projects, Dogwood Coffee is yet another community partner making the magic happen through their “Coffee for Others” fundraiser running throughout the month of January. 100%, and yes, we mean 100%, of all profits from sales of the Chops custom blend go to fund Chops' youth programs! Purchase a bag of the ‘Chops Blend’ online or visit one of Dogwood's cafes. Don't wait - the Chops blend is only available this month!
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