Overview
The Columbus Symphony has a number of associate and fundraising groups whose members generously volunteer their time and talents to support our extensive schedule of concerts, community outreach activities, and education programs that serve thousands each year. Symphony volunteers have opportunities to work and learn in a variety of behind-the-scenes environments, from working with students in music education programs to raising funds at special benefit events. You also have the chance to meet other people who share your love of symphonic music and your desire to make a difference in Columbus’ cultural life.
Special Thanks To
Field Trips
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 & concert music. (1 free teacher ticket for every 20 students). Transportation, through Safelight Bee-thoven Express Grants are available.
(Grades 3-5) Wednesday, May 1, 2024 10:30AM I Ohio Theater
Each season, the Columbus Symphony opens several of its working dress rehearsals to middle school and high school music students. These unique opportunities provide an insider’s view of how the Orchestra prepares for a concert. All open rehearsals take place at the Ohio Theater starting at 10am. All seats are $5 plus one free chaperone ticket for every 20 students – Free to Title 1 Schools.
Friday, May 17, 2024 10AM | Ohio Theatre
AT YOUR SCHOOL
In-school full orchestra performances are tailored for grades 2-5 and 6-12 to bring classical music directly to young people in Columbus communities! A limited number of free concert performances are available throughout the season.
Host: Z.F. Taylor
Have you ever wondered how a piece of music made you cry or dance around with excitement? Classical composers use different moods, tonality, structures, and instruments to help us understand the language of music. Join us as we explore these musical ideas and get to the heart of why music has such an impact on our feelings and emotions
Mindful Music Moments is a program that teaches stress reduction and mindfulness techniques through classical music. At the start of each day, students listen to four minutes of recorded classical music and relaxation prompts during morning announcements. Part music appreciation and part stress-reduction techniques, the program offers insight into the composers and music history while taking a moment to calm students’ minds and prepare them to learn. This program is offered free to all Columbus City Schools and Central Ohio preschools.
Performance Opportunities
The mission of the All-City Program is to give students and teachers the opportunity to connect with the broader Columbus music community by providing access to opportunities with professional musicians, conductors, and venues. New for 2024, the All City Program has shifted to partner with high school instrumental teachers to offer support and enrichment to music students within the school day for an 8-week-long residency. The culmination of this residency will be a Festival Concert with each school performing one selection and a combined performance with the select ACE (All City Ensemble Orchestra)
CSO musicians will visit each participating school’s class TWICE a week for 8 consecutive weeks from January 22- March 11.
CSO musicians will provide in-class expertise and support by performing alongside students, leading lessons and sectionals, as well as connecting with teachers and students to the broader arts community.
This residency will culminate in a school day concert on stage at the Ohio Theater on Tuesday, March 19th at 10:30 am.
A kick-off planning session with Associate Conductor, Andres Lopera will take place at the January 16th Professional Development Day at Centennial High School.
All City Ensemble (ACE) orchestra will be a select group of musicians recommended by their music teacher to represent their school on stage at the Ohio Theater. Students will also participate in a full-day retreat at East High School on Saturday, March 16th with Associate Conductor, Andres Lopera.
online
Website for students in grades K-6, featuring Columbus Symphony mascot Bee-thoven as your virtual guide. These sites provide meaningful learning opportunities, each with three areas to explore: Learn, Perform, and Visit.
A three-year digital music curriculum that can be used independently or sequentially for students grades 2-5. Weekly videos and worksheets feature our lovable mascot Bee-thoven and Columbus Symphony musicians, accompanied by grade-appropriate materials aligned with Ohio Fine Arts and English Language Arts standards. Each semester-long unit focuses on subjects such as instruments of the orchestra, classical composers, basics of music, composing, listening, analyzing, and critiquing. Each unit concludes with a full-length concert performed by the Columbus Symphony or a culminating project.
Have a question or want to learn more? Contact Director of Education, Meghan McDevitt
mmcdevitt@columbussymphony.com | 614.221.4916
