EDUCATION
The purpose of the The Freight’s Education Department is to initiate conversations about the past, present, and future of traditional music, uncover previously hidden narratives, and illuminate connections between people and cultures.
Everything we do at The Freight is rooted in the folk tradition of creating in community. In the Education Department, we intentionally create programming which explores culture and history as well as technique and repertoire, in an effort to honor and uplift the ways in which music has helped forge and sustain communities over millennia.
FREIGHT IN THE FIELD
Community Progress
We collaborate regularly with local and national educational institutions, culture-bearing organizations, and individual artists to create experiences for audiences of all ages.
Golden State of Song
Our flagship arts integration program, Golden State of Song enhances and enriches the study of California history via the vehicle of valuable songs and stories from the state’s many native, immigrant, and migrant communities. This program is currently embedded in every Berkeley Unified School District elementary school, and is slated for delivery in multiple public and private schools. Golden State of Song is supported in part by the California Public Library and by our generous donors. Visit the website and get in touch to bring a Golden State of Song presentation to your school!
Playing with Tradition
Another arm of our school programs, sends Freight teaching artists out into schools for immersive residencies, coaching, and interactive assemblies.
The Freight Singers Community Chorus
Our grassroots choir meets for two sessions every year and culminates with concerts onsite at the Freight.
ONSITE & ONLINE
PROGRAMS AT THE FREIGHT
Our weekday evening classes have served thousands of eager music students over the years. Our education programs are led by teaching artists with decades of classroom and performing experience, and are managed by Director of Education & Community Engagement PC Muñoz and Education Manager Jen Moser-Villaseñor.
Workshop & Lectures
Our robust offerings help students dig deep into specific musical skill sets, and our online lectures and pre-show talks offer opportunities for music lovers to learn more about the people and cultural values behind some of their favorite sounds.
Jams
Our long-running jams in various genres continue to be part of the Bay Area’s vibrant roots music scene.
