For Educators
At FIM, it’s not enough just to create and program excellent performances. We want to inspire the next generation of artists, performers, and lovers of the arts. We know you know that the arts are an important part of nurturing the whole student. They help hone critical thinking skills, sharpen social skills, and increase a student’s sense of self and cultural awareness. Every encounter with the arts has the possibility to inspire new ways of thinking, seeing, and being. And we think those are rights every student should enjoy.
That’s why we provide free schooltime performances for educators, and we keep resources on hand to assist with transportation or any other obstacles that may prevent your classroom from coming. Please take a look at some of our programs and let us know how we can be part of your classroom journey this year.
Our 2024-25 educational performances have all ended. Please check back in August for our exciting new line up for next school year!
Learn more about our programs for educators
For more than 20 years, FIM’s Troubadours have delighted the hearts and minds of elementary students throughout Genesee County and beyond. Filling in the gap as support for music and arts education diminished, FIM’s Troubadours provide students with the experience of encountering the power of music and performing arts. Made up of a string quartet, storyteller and dancer, the Troubadours captivate student audiences in a fun, music-filled performance that encourages creativity, imagination, and enthusiasm for the world of performing arts. Educational materials, including artistic and study guides, teacher-supported activities, and programmatic context are supplied to educators ahead of any Troubadour performance.
Beloved by teachers and students alike, this dynamic program gives students a rare opportunity to experience a live performance by professional performers, who are part of the FIM staff and the Flint Symphony Orchestra. As the interactive performance commences, the artists encourage students to confidently recognize and pursue creative interests and introduce them to a variety of instruments. The program’s content changes annually, so students will continue to be delighted, surprised, and inspired by each Troubadour encounter.
Interested in bringing the Troubadours to your school? Contact Aiesha Lewis, Community Programs Coordinator, for more information: alewis@thefim.org
Each year, FIM announces an exciting line-up of school time programming as field trip opportunities over the course of the school year. These daytime programs are curated especially for educators and homeschool groups.
While you browse our offerings below, you’ll notice that we offer both field trips and on-site performances for a variety of ages and grade-levels, with subject matter that includes science, math, history, literature, language, and culture. Click the links to register your class or group and we will follow
up to confirm the details once you’ve submitted the form. But don’t hesitate to reach out at any time to ask how we can help make your field trip goals a reality. Contact Aiesha Lewis, Community Programs Coordinator, for more information: alewis@thefim.org
FIM will record two concerts of the Flint Symphony Orchestra for ticketed online viewing immediately following the performance. After one month, the FSO Live recording is available to educators at NO COST and is an excellent way to supplement music education curriculum or add a new STEAM element to your homeroom!
Contact Aiesha Lewis, Community Programs Coordinator, for more information: alewis@thefim.org
Since 2012, Dr. Kevin Spencer has been working with FIM and educators in Genesee County to engage with students involved in special education programs and/or adversely affected by trauma. He uses his trademarked Hocus Focus curriculum to stimulate cognitive growth, develop fine motor skills, and foster social-emotional support for atypical learners by demonstrating and teaching the art of illusion. A long-time friend of Flint area schools, FIM hosts Dr. Spencer for 3 two-week residencies in Flint throughout the course of the school year.
Are you a special educator looking to enhance your classroom activities? Consider letting Dr. Spencer work his magic with your students. Contact Aiesha Lewis, Community Programs Coordinator, for more information: alewis@thefim.org