School might be in session, but in early September, teachers will be the ones learning a lesson. Local teachers will prepare for the Savannah Music Festival’s (SMF) Musical Explorers program with a Teacher Professional Development Day, taking place September 3–4 at Savannah’s Front Porch Improv.

The two-day professional development experience marks the kickoff of SMF’s 2026–2027 Musical Explorers season, bringing together local educators, featured musicians, and a representative from Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. The training will give educators an engaging introduction to the curriculum, music, and activities they will bring into their classrooms throughout the school year.

“We are excited to kick off the new season with Savannah-area teachers and make it a really fun program of learning, music, and community,” said Lane Huerta, Savannah Music Festival’s Education Manager. “We know teachers are always looking for engaging ways to help their students learn and see the world from different perspectives, and Musical Explorers gives them the tools and resources to do that through music.”

Developed in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, Musical Explorers connects elementary students to diverse musical communities through songs, activities, and encounters with professional musicians. The free program builds foundational music skills while encouraging students to explore different cultures and reflect on the musical communities around them. Teachers can participate whether their students are learning in person or online.

During the 2026–27 school year, Musical Explorers students will explore Rhythm & Blues from Jacob Evans, Vaudeville from Catalina Paz, and Greek folk music from Erini Tornesaki. The curriculum includes informative lessons, articles and books, supplemental songs and videos, classroom activities, and additional resources for teachers to explore and incorporate into their lessons.

While the curriculum was designed with students in kindergarten through second grade in mind, Musical Explorers offers rich opportunities for musical and cultural exploration and is open to teachers working with students of all ages.

Following completion of their September professional development experience, teachers will be able to use the Musical Explorers lessons in their classrooms at their own pace throughout the school year, with many beginning the curriculum soon after the training.

Every Musical Explorers season culminates with an original live concert, giving students the opportunity to experience the music they have studied throughout the year in an engaging and immersive environment alongside the musicians who brought those traditions to life in their classrooms.

For more information about Musical Explorers and Savannah Music Festival’s education programs, please visit www.savannahmusicfestival.org.