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Experiences

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Gallery Time Self-explore

Duration: 2 hours +

All experiences include exploration in the galleries. This is designed specifically for students to explore the exhibition stages, with chaperones while completing fun activities and viewing one-of-a-kind artifacts found at Studio Bell. Along the way, students will be amazed as they watch our skilled educators perform interactive demonstrations that encourage participation and hands-on, ears-on, minds-on learning.

Kimball Theatre Organ Demonstration

Duration: 15 minutes

Manufactured in 1924 to accompany silent films, a 15-minute performance by one of our educators on this amazing instrument will be the highlight of your day.

Lunchroom

Duration: 30 minutes

We have 2 lunchroom spaces able to accommodate a total of 90 people. Larger groups will have their lunch in different time slots.

Guided Tour

Duration: 1 hour

Our guided tour provides students with an interpretive experience of artifacts at Studio Bell while making distinct connections to curriculum studied at school. Offered at all grade levels, this program aims to enliven subjects being explored in the classroom through the living collection at The National Music Centre

Classroom Program

Duration: 1 hour

Our classroom programs offer a variety of grade-appropriate curriculum connections while fostering an engaging, hands-on learning environment. Click here for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When are education and youth experiences available?

  All education and youth experiences are offered Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, with the exception of the Gallery experience which is offered from Monday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

• When do I need to book by?

  All bookings must be made two weeks in advance. Space is limited, so please book early.

• How many students can participate?

  We can accommodate up to six classes/groups per day, with a maximum of 30 students per class/group.

• How do I pay?

  We accept payment by credit card or cheque. Once you have made a booking, you will be emailed an invoice. To pay by credit card, please call the Education and Public Programs Coordinator at 403-543-5119. Cheques can be mailed to National Music Centre, 300 – 851 4 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1P2 or collected in person on the day of your visit.

  All payments for any bookings are due the day of your visit. Late payments will incur a 10% fee.

• What is your chaperone-to-student ratio requirement?

  We require at least 1 adult chaperone for every 5 students. Chaperones play a vital role in the experience. Please ensure that they engage with the students and the activities.

• What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

  Cancellations must be made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date of your program to avoid penalty. A cancellation fee of $70 per program will be charged when less than two weeks’ notice is provided. If you need to cancel or make any changes to your booking, please email us or call 403-543-5119.

  Please note that in the event of school closures due to inclement weather or unsafe road conditions, either party may cancel programs on the day-of without penalty. Every effort will be made to re-schedule. In the event of an emergency cancellation, please call 403-543-5119.

• What are the curriculum connections?

  Our hands-on classroom programs are based on the Alberta Education Program of Studies and encourage critical thinking and inquiry-based learning about music, sound, science, culture, history and the creative process. All programs are led by talented musician educators who make concepts come to life and feature items from our rare and unique collection!

• Do you book buses?

  No. Each school or group must arrange their own transportation. The arrival time and departure time must match the booking times of your visit to Studio Bell.

• Help me fill out all that paperwork!

  NMC meets service-provider requirements for all school boards, including first-aid training and vulnerable sector police security checks.

  NMC also has a Master Agreement with the Calgary Board of Education, which means we have been pre-approved and you get to fill out less paperwork! Please refer to the CBE Website for more information about working with a Masters Agreement provider.

  Please email our Education and Public Programs Coordinator with any questions related to your visit.

• Are any experiences offered in French?

  Classroom programs are available in French but subject to the availability of bilingual educators. Please let us know your language preference on our online booking form and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Select roadcases are also available in French.
  

• What time should we arrive?

  We recommend school groups arrive approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the scheduled program, unless otherwise specified. This will ensure your group has enough time to hang jackets, stow lunches, and get oriented.

• What should we bring?

  We recommend bringing bagged lunches. We also recommend that each person brings a bottle of water and wears comfortable walking shoes. We discourage students from bringing backpacks and large bags, as we have limited storage. Otherwise, the most important thing is to bring your imagination!

• How many adult supervisors are needed?

  We require you bring at least one adult for every five students to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone involved. However, we ask that you do not exceed a 1:4 adult to student ratio to ensure there is enough room for everyone in our classrooms and other spaces.

• How can we prepare for our visit?

  Once your booking is confirmed, our Education and Public Programs Coordinator will email you the necessary Getting Ready documents.

• Can we visit Studio Bell without participating in an experience?

  Absolutely! Individuals and families are welcome to visit during Studio Bell’s regular hours of operation, Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. While groups and classes are also welcome to visit during regular hours, it is worth noting that our experiences are much more affordable than paying individual admission for each person.

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