Located in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, the Fillmore is a large concert and event venue. It is a great location for teachers to take students interested in music performance and boasts an impressive list of musicians who have played there. It is modeled after the Fillmore San Francisco, the focal point for the psychedelic music scene in the 1960s and 70s, and was a place where legendary musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin played before their careers truly launched. In addition, the space is available to rent, making it a great place for schools to host large events.
Although the Fillmore Philadelphia would likely be a slightly non-traditional place for a school field trip, that doesn’t mean it should be considered unsuitable or that a visit should be ruled out. For schools in Philadelphia, or for field trips staying in the city for multiple days, teachers could take students to a show and see some up-and-coming musicians in the scene. However, if this is the purpose of the visit, we recommend taking only more mature students, such as juniors and seniors, so teachers don’t have to worry as much about safety. For teachers worried about the language that might be used, we advise checking the type of music the artist plays in advance to avoid any potential nasty surprises.
A Great Place for School Events
As mentioned, the Fillmore Philadelphia allows groups to rent the venue for private events. As a historic music venue, it already has a professional stage, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, and enough space for large audiences. Hosting an event such as graduation or prom here could make it feel even more special for students, rather than using a local hall or school gym. Furthermore, the place’s history could make it feel even more special, as students can move into a new chapter of their lives on the same stage where legendary musicians ‘graduated’ to the next phase of their careers. The sound system would also ensure that music and announcements are extremely clear, and the school wouldn’t have to rely on 20-year-old speakers.
Student Performances
The Fillmore could also give students interested in music performance invaluable experience playing in a purpose-built music venue in front of a crowd. That type of experience is incredibly hard to find and can help ensure students are prepared for those types of events in college or otherwise. The fact that the Fillmore already has the necessary sound and stage design is another big plus.
Overall, for schools looking for a non-traditional place to visit in Philadelphia, or a fun place to cap off a field trip, the Fillmore Philadelphia could be a great choice. It’s also an excellent venue for school events and student performances.
