Doctors in Concert returns in-person to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bloomington at 6pm on Friday, April 29. This fundraising event is a unique showcase of local physicians’ musical talents to raise funds for health-related initiatives at the Children’s Discovery Museum, such as the new Healthy Me exhibit and Prescription for Play. Physician musicians perform classical and contemporary melodies on piano, violin, cello, and guitar while the audience enjoys a fun night of live music, food, drink, and a silent auction.
“Events such as Doctors in Concert and community support through donations, concert tickets, and participation in the Silent Auction will help us deliver the positive, informal STEAM learning that has been empowering students, families, and teachers in Central Illinois since 1994,” said Beth Whisman, CDM Executive Director.
Thanks to community support, last year’s event supported the launch of Prescription for Play, a Museum partnership with local pediatric healthcare providers designed for outreach and direct support of playful learning. Local pediatricians are working together to support this new program at the Children’s Discovery Museum (CDM) that will help restore health losses children and families have experienced with limited access to play during the pandemic.
Play has never been so vital for a generation of young learners. After the most disrupted school years in our lifetime, a new nationwide study shows K-12 students on average are five months behind in mathematics and four months behind in reading. Data shows this delay is further increased for historically disadvantaged students. The report indicates potential ripple effects that could affect a child’s chances at attending college or finding a fulfilling career, and it could leave them earning less over their lifetime.
In response to these growing achievement gaps in math and reading—teachers tell the CDM that many local schools’ curriculum will focus heavily on math and reading with little to no science happening in the classroom this year. This is why informal learning settings such as the Children’s Discovery Museum are so important right now.
According to experts, 95 percent of science learning typically happens outside of the classroom and playful learning has a proven track record of helping young learners develop a better understanding of STEAM concepts (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). Museums are being called-on nationwide by teachers and families to provide valuable STEAM learning that cannot take place in classrooms or at home.
“We hope we can count on our community to turn out and support our physicians who have practiced all year to perfect their performances and help our Museum reach more children,” said Event Chair Elise Albers who is the Population Health Manager with OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
Tickets, sponsorship information and a list of doctors performing can be found at www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.net.
