Cedarburg High Schools students are very involved in the Cedarburg PAC, Inc. operation. They spend time learning about the inner workings of a performing arts center. They work in the box office meeting the ticketing needs of our audience and on the tech crew learning about the “behind the scenes” component of the performing arts. And, they participate in learning opportunities with our visiting artists.
Learning from Renowned Performing Artists
Cedarburg PAC, Inc. master classes and workshops bring artists and students together in unique learning and practice experiences. Artists display their talents and provide tips and techniques to help students hone theirs. Some artists have highlighted the budding talents of students by welcoming them on stage during their Visiting Artists Series performances. A dream come true for these students!
Some of our visiting artists have conducted Q&A sessions during open sound checks allowing students to observe how artists and their crews prepare for a performance and ask their many questions. This process can be very motivating for students. And, it’s a wonderful way to get young people more involved with the arts.
Recent Efforts to Engage Young People
We work to bring our mission to Enlighten, Educate and Entertain to life in a variety of ways throughout the season, including master classes, workshops, Q&A sessions, special performances, and on-stage collaborations between our Visiting Artists and Cedarburg School District students. Below are two inspiring interactions from the past season.
MSO Presents Holiday Concert for Cedarburg Students
MSO Student Performance at the CPAC
This past Christmas, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra put on a very special holiday performance for Cedarburg school students. Young people from different grade levels gathered for the festive concert, underwritten by the Rita Edquist Memorial Fund. We are happy to announce they will be underwriting the event again this year!
CHS Marching Band Collaborates with Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band
CHS Marching Band playing Rumours
Rumours – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute closed our 2021-2022 Visiting Artists Series with a bang. On occasion, the original Fleetwood Mac would invite student marching bands to collaborate on a song called “Tusk.” Rumours re-created the same experience here in Cedarburg. Directed by Rachael Stein, the CHS Marching Band (about 40 students strong!) marched into the CPAC in uniform with their instruments and played along with Rumours. It was a night these young people won’t soon forget.
Learning How an Arts Venue Operates
Cedarburg High School students work closely with the Center’s staff and committee members in a variety of areas including: event management, hospitality, merchandise sales, digital promotion, etc. There are also continuing opportunities for students to work in the box office and participate on the technical side of our productions.
These experiences give students the opportunity to experience every facet of the performing arts. This allows young people to understand and appreciate the arts. And, it helps students decide where their interests lie and what avenues they have for pursuing their performing arts related dreams in the future.