Birch Creek's Artists in the Schools Event Inspires Door County Students
Birch Creek Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music session faculty member Brad Stirtz shared a variety of percussion instruments with Gibraltar High School students.
EGG HARBOR, Wis. (October 12, 2023) – On Monday, October 9, Birch Creek hosted its annual Artists in the Schools event, bringing music education to the students of Door County. This longtime tradition, which began in 2002, shows Birch Creek's commitment to giving back to the community and supporting young talent. Nationally acclaimed faculty members returned to the area to share their expertise and passion with local public school music students.
This year's Artists in the Schools program featured Birch Creek Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music session faculty, including Brad Stirtz, percussion, and Wesley Morgan, bass, along with Carter Stirtz, a former birch Creek student and professional drummer.
A total of 358 students from elementary and high schools in the Sturgeon Bay and Gibraltar school districts enjoyed this enriching musical experience.
The trio, accompanied by Birch Creek Executive Director Mona Christensen, visited each school, engaging students in discussions about Hispanic Heritage Month and the impact of Latin American music. They introduced students to various percussion instruments and shared their historical significance.
"We're thrilled to share the joy of music with young learners in Door County. Artists in the Schools is a special way for us to give back to our community and inspire future musicians,” said Christensen. “Birch Creek would like to thank the Door County music teachers - Cheryl Pfister, Heidi Hintz and Charles Eckardt - for their support and enthusiasm, which makes this program possible every year.”
Artists in the Schools demonstrates Birch Creek's commitment to fostering musical talent in Door County. Through its faculty’s generosity, Birch Creek continually inspires the next generation of musicians and enriches cultural life on the peninsula.
For more information about Birch Creek and its educational programs, please visit BirchCreek.org.
Birch Creek Music Performance Center celebrates its 48th year as Door County’s Residential Summer Music Academy in Egg Harbor, WI, for advanced student musicians. With a performance emphasis, students are taught by nationally known performers and educators during the day and perform alongside them in concerts at night. Four sessions focus on Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music; Symphony, and Big Band Jazz. Proceeds from all Birch Creek events and concerts provide support for Birch Creek students.
