Thousands of schoolchildren from across the province attend the Educational Concerts, driven by Juan Rafael Muñoz at the University of Almería. This initiative, now in its 25th year, transforms the Paraninfo into a learning stage through music and dance for around a hundred university students in Early Childhood and Primary Education.
Professor Juan Rafael Muñoz, head of the Didactics of Musical Expression Area, explains that the goal is for university students to apply classroom learning with children in real-time. The program, which is not set in stone, allows future teachers to adapt activities spontaneously, a crucial skill for their profession.
This dual-purpose educational program aligns with the University of Almería's strategic line of social outreach, projecting itself towards the Almerian society and fostering interest in the institution among the young. The concerts serve as a way to apply knowledge and enjoy a university space.
The success of the Educational Concerts is such that applications for attendance already cover until May of the following year, with high demand that could fill two additional concerts if available. Each session is unique, incorporating new choreographies and stories to adapt to the different reactions and dispositions of the attending children.
In the first session of this academic year, nine educational centers participated, including kindergartens and primary schools from Almería and Aguadulce. Another six centers joined the second session, along with students from the UAL's Professional Qualification course. In total, the numbers are expected to double in the May call, reaching approximately 1,500 children per session.
