Classroom Programs

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Young People's Concerts

Reservations can be made in one of the following manners: 

• By calling the Columbus Symphony Education Department at (614) 221-4916.
• By completing a registration form (available in August) and mailing it to: Columbus Symphony Education Dept, 55 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215.
• By completing a registration form (available in August) and faxing it to the Columbus Symphony Education Department at (614) 384-5945.

Each year, thousands of students throughout the greater Columbus area participate in the Columbus Symphony’s Young People’s Concerts. Concerts are programmed at the Ohio Theatre and are thematically based and grade appropriate. Pre-concert materials are provided for teachers and students based on the Ohio Academic content standards. All seats are $5 and include a student workbook and one teacher guide & CD. (1 free teacher ticket for every 20 students). Please visit our classroom program FAQs page here.

BIG YELLOW SCHOOL BUS

The Big Yellow School Bus program helps schools and other educational groups defray transportation costs to professional arts and cultural activities. To learn more about this program, visit this site: OAC.OHIO.GOV

TARGET FIELD TRIP GRANTS

To learn more about a transportation grant for your field trip to the CSO, please visit this site: TARGET FIELD TRIP GRANTS

Concert for Grades K-2

S is for Symphony | Peter Stafford Wilson, conductor
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, 10:30am

A fun way to learn the "ABCs" of the orchestra! Students will be introduced to the four instrument families, basic elements of music and a range of composers from various historical and geographic periods. Expect audience participation!

Concerts for Grades 3-5

Words & Notes: Poetry & Music |  Peter Stafford Wilson, conductor
Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, 10:30am

Building on what students have learned in earlier grades, this concert will emphasize the similarity between poetry and music - how both can convey emotions, thoughts and concepts that reflect the composer or poet. Always a highlight of this concert - a student conductor!

Link Up: The Orchestra Moves!  |  Rossen Milanov, conductor
Tuesday, April 10, 2018, 10:00am  & 11:40am

The Columbus Symphony is proud to partner with Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute to present this highly interactive concert where students are invited to sing and play an instrument from their seats along with the CSO. The Orchestra Moves! is a comprehensive, year-long curriculum that explores basic musical literacy and concepts, culminating in an interactive performance at the Ohio Theatre. Teachers can choose from one of three tracked program paths, depending on the level of involvement they would like to have for their students.

Link Up REGISTRATION FORM (available soon)

To get additional information and see videos from the 2015 & 2016 Link Up concerts visit the Link Up webpage at www.columbussymphony.com/education/link-up/

Concerts for Grades 6-12

Nationalism in Music | Peter Stafford Wilson, conductor
Wednesday, February 28, 2018, 10:30am

Nationalism refers to the special way that music has of helping us identify with our home countries: whenever we hear that melody, it speaks to our hearts. In this concert, the Columbus Symphony will explore music by several composers who have created such music.

Backstage with the Symphony

Grades 3-12

Students in grades 3-12 can experience a unique behind-the-scenes look at the orchestra in rehearsal, as well as a comprehensive tour of the Ohio Theatre led by knowledgeable docents. This is an opportunity for students to learn about the architecture and history of the Ohio Theatre as well as the history of the Columbus Symphony. Peek backstage, visit rehearsal rooms and watch a portion of the Columbus Symphony rehearsal. All tours begin at 9:45 am. and last one hour. Schools and home schools: $5 for students and chaperones.  Adult only tours: $10 a person. Please visit our Classroom Programs FAQs page HERE.

In-School Concerts/Small Ensemble

In-school performances are tailored to different grade levels and bring classical music directly to young people in Columbus communities. Fees are available upon request.