Racine & Me, March 25th, 2017: Project SEARCH, Racine Symphony Orchestra’s Season Finale, and a Young Cellist
If you have an idea for "Racine & Me" contact Jacob Kittilstad at [email protected] or 414-242-5617
Jacob Kittilstad avoided the chit-chat and launched right into a packed show. Although only two topics were covered during the program, a lot of time was devoted to actually talking to the people affected by those items. If a theme had to be chosen it might have been hope or optimism.
The first interview covered the basics of Project SEARCH: transition program for young adults with disabilities trying to join the workforce. The program is organized by Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin – which has coordinated Project SEARCH is multiple other cities. The Racine program will be a nine month internship at Andis Company in Racine for up to 12 individuals. The organization reports that 80% of the individuals who complete the program find competitive jobs with an average wage of $10/hour. The group is reaching out now because they are currently recruiting interns for the Fall Semester. Click here to learn more
After learning about Project SEARCH, Jacob heard first-hand how big of an impact it can have. A 2014 graduate of the program’s talked about how he was referred, what he learned, and how his experience led to him getting his dream job. He is currently employed at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin – the site of his original internship through Project SEARCH.
Next, the artistic director of the Racine Symphony Orchestra stopped by the studio to talk about their upcoming Masterworks Season Finale. He described the planned performance as the perfect menu of music to mark the end of their 85th season in Racine. He also spoke about the importance of involving young people in the RSO – bringing to the studio the winner of the 2017 Young Artists’ Competition. Click here for more information
The 17-year-old junior from Kenosha Tremper High School performed Bach’s “Cello Suite #1 Prelude” for the viewing audience. Afterward he talked about his preparation for the Young Artists’ Competition and the stress that comes with preparing so hard for just one moment. He also shared that he’s looking forward to performing with the RSO, and says he hopes to learn a lot from the people with so much more experience than him.
Guests: Beth Lohmann – Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin Employment and Community Services Director, Austin Michalski – Project SEARCH 2014 Graduate, Pasquale Laurino – Racine Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director, Matthew Udry – Racine Symphony Orchestra Young Artists’ Competition Winner/Cellist