The Virginia Symphony Orchestra believes that music should be part of every child’s life. Our programs for children, teens, and families offer many opportunities to experience the joy and sound of orchestra music. Enjoy learning about the science of sound at one of our Young People’s Concert, go to a musical zoo by trying an instrument at our musical petting zoo before a Peanut Butter and Jam Family Concert or learn directly from our musicians about music through our School Orchestra Artistic Residency program.
Click on a program below to learn more about our exciting educational offerings:
Peanut Butter & Jam Family Series
Designed especially for families with children ages 5-12, these informal, hour-long matinee concerts are both entertaining and educational. An hour prior to the concert, children can enjoy hands-on activities in the lobby, including an Instrument Petting Zoo where they can touch, try, and learn more about musical instruments.
Learn more about this year's Peanut Butter & Jam Family Series
Young People’s Concerts
The Young People’s Concert series is an integral part of the Symphony’s education program. Annually, the Virginia Symphony reaches over 24,000 students in eleven different school districts as well as students in private schools and home school environments. The goals of these concerts are to (1) introduce symphonic music, (2) introduce the instruments of the orchestra and (3) tie musical arts to the schools’ core curriculum and support Virginia State Standards of Learning. Education packets containing a teacher’s guide and a CD of musical selections for the concert are distributed to participating schools. Download packet in pdf version or view the online version.
Learn more about this year's Young People's Concert
Master Classes & Open Rehearsals
Each season several VSO guest artist hold master classes for both local and student musicians. The audience has the opportunity to experience the hands-on-nature of these unique classes. The perspectives offered by these world-class artists inspire participants and audience members alike. Open Rehearsals offer an intimate view of the musicians, conductor, and guest artist in the artistic process of preparing a concert.
'07 - '08 Master Class & Open Rehearsal Schedule:
Master Class with Christopher O'Riley, piano
September 6, 2007 - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Music and Theater Hall
Ferguson Center for the Arts
Free and open to the public!
Master Class with Amanda Armstrong, violin
October 23, 2007 - 7:00 pm to 9:00pm
Chandler Recital Hall
Old Dominion University
Free and open to the public!
Audition: Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Chandler Recital Hall
Open Rehearsal and Q&A with Eroica Trio
Saturday, November 3, 2007 - 10:00 am
Chrysler Hall
$5.00 per person
Call 757.892.6366 to purchase tickets (limited seats available)
Community Play-Along
These free annual events offer the unique opportunity for anyone to bring an instrument and play along with VSO musicians. Held at MacArthur Center and Greenbrier Mall, classical music fills the mall as musicians from age three to eighty-three play with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
2007 - 2008 Play Alongs:
Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Click here for more information!
The Play-Along planned for May 18, 2008 has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.
SOAR
The School/Orchestra Artistic Residency (SOAR) program allows students the opportunity to create in-depth interactions between themselves and the professional musicians of the VSO through mentorship and coaching. Students are also able to attend VSO concerts, usually at no charge. Schools that have participated in the SOAR program are Norfolk Academy, Tallwood High School, First Colonial High School, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Maury High School and Salem High School.
Total Quality Music
This program is allows Norfolk Public School students to attend a Virginia Symphony Orchestra concert for free after experiencing a Young Audiences of Virginia program at their school. For more information please contact Beth Hazelette at 757-629-3938. For information on how you can help send students to concerts, please contact Kaitlin Padden.
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