EDUCATION & OUTREACH The Springfield Symphony’s education and outreach programs are funded through the generosity of businesses, foundations, and individuals who know the value of education and cultural enrichment through music. These programs include a variety of interactive concerts both in and out of the concert hall with large and small ensembles.
ANNUAL YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERTS The annual Young People’s Concerts brings together more than 4,000 fourth grade children in order to gain valuable exposure to elements of musical styles and eras. Our audience includes invited students from all Springfield R-12 district schools, 65 surrounding school districts, private and parochial schools including homeschool programs. Each of our Young People’s Concerts is specifically designed to be an indepth learning experience. Before the performance, the teachers discuss important elements of the musical experience with each class enabling them to integrate the concert experience into the students’ curriculum. Two concerts are planned for January 26, 2021. The music is interspersed with entertaining facts about each composition and musical instrumentation is explained, as are differences in musical styles.
ENSEMBLES-IN-SCHOOLS PROGRAM The Ensembles-in-Schools program allows small groups of Springfield Symphony musicians to travel to area elementary and middle schools to perform for the students. Each small ensemble presents a 30-minute program for up to 200 students at each school. Our program is designed to heighten awareness of the many varieties of musical styles, explain why different musical instruments create different sounds, and to demonstrate how music expresses emotions and creates beauty. A question-and-answer session follows each performance allowing the young students to learn from the musicians. The overall experience creates a more rewarding educational experience for the student attendees. Modifications may be made due to COVID guidelines.
MUSGRAVE COMMUNITY BALCONY/ STUDENTS AT THE SYMPHONY With an endowment set up by the Musgrave Foundation, the entire petite balcony is designated for every concert to youth or underserved people in 36
