MURRAY, Ky. — The Murray State University music department faculty members and their student chamber music ensembles, supported through a grant from the MSU’s office of regional outreach, are visiting area schools in an effort to provide educational and cultural experiences to districts that do not have easy access to on-campus performances.

The ensembles — from a flute duo to jazz combo to trombone choir — perform a short concert, followed by a faculty lecture or private lessons for music students. The project, created by Dr. Eric Swisher, is tailored to each school’s needs. “Each school can determine what type of visit would be most beneficial to their students, as well as who will be in the audience … music students or the entire student body,” Swisher, associate professor of music at MSU, said.

Now in its second semester, the project provides current Murray State music students additional performance opportunities and serves as a chance for future students to get to know more about the music department and the university.

The office of regional outreach administers a grant program that focuses on the educational needs of its 18-county West Kentucky service region. “We are excited to be able to support programs designed to enhance music education and increase cultural awareness at a time when K-12 funding for these types of programs can be hard to come by,” said Executive Director Gina Winchester.

Christina D’Ambrosio, music department outreach coordinator, is currently planning spring semester school visits. For more information on the program, contact her at cdambrosio@murraystate.edu or the office of regional outreach at (270) 809-5088.