Our Programs

Night at the Orchestra

Night at the Orchestra is an exciting, hands-on workshop designed specifically for young students who are being introduced to the world of music. This unique, youth-led event invites students to embark on an interactive journey through the orchestra, where they can discover and explore the rich variety of instruments that make up this beautiful ensemble.

In this engaging, instrument “petting zoo,” students will:

Explore the Instrument Families: Students will be guided through the different sections of the orchestra—strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion—by volunteer musicians. Each instrument family will be represented by a skilled musician, giving participants the opportunity to hear, see, and interact with the instruments up close.

Learn Fun and Fascinating Facts: As students move from station to station, they will be introduced to each instrument’s unique characteristics, history, and role in the orchestra. From the smooth sound of the violin to the powerful brass section, students will gain insight into what makes each instrument special and contributes to the bigger picture of making music with the orchestra.

Watch a Live Orchestra Performance: After the instrument exploration, students will be treated to a live performance by the full orchestra. This immersive experience allows them to see how all the instruments come together to create the harmonious music of an orchestra. The performance serves as a perfect culmination to the hands-on activities, showing students how the instruments they just learned about are used in a real-world setting.

Join the Music-Making: Students aren’t just spectators—they’re invited to participate in the music-making process! After learning about the instruments and enjoying the live performance, students will have the opportunity to sing along with the orchestra, engaging directly in the creation of beautiful music and enhancing their connection to the performance.

Mini-Masterclass

Our Mini-Masterclasses are interactive group sessions led by accomplished guest musicians, designed to support students who are either just starting their musical journey or those considering picking up an instrument but unsure of where to begin. These masterclasses provide a welcoming and supportive environment where students can explore different musical techniques, improve their skills, and gain practical insights into the world of music.

In each session, participants will have the opportunity to:

Learn and Practice New Techniques: Students will be guided through hands-on exercises that focus on building foundational skills and learning advanced techniques, helping them grow as musicians at their own pace.

Explore Different Instruments: If you're unsure about which instrument to start with, our guest musicians will introduce various options, demonstrating their features and guiding you through exercises to see which one resonates most with you.

Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Students will have the chance to interact directly with the guest musician, asking questions about their own musical journey, their experiences in music school, and what it’s like to pursue a career in music. Whether you're curious about the path to a music degree, the ins and outs of the industry, or simply seeking advice on how to improve as a musician, these conversations will provide valuable perspectives as well as provide mentorship to motivate students and show them the real-world applications of the skills they’re learning.

Music Theory Classes

These classes are designed to teach students the essential elements of music, enabling them to read music, understand rhythms, identify key signatures, and gain a deeper appreciation of melody and harmony. The classes are structured by semesterly sessions and are offered at beginner levels to ensure that all students, regardless of prior experience, can build a solid foundation in music theory and history.

Key Components:
- Reading Music: Students learn to read sheet music, including notes, clefs, time signatures, and scales.
- Understanding Rhythms: Students explore different note values, time signatures, and rhythm patterns.
- Key Signatures & Scales: An introduction to major and minor scales, how key signatures work, and their importance in music.
- Melody and Harmony: Students are introduced to the concepts of melody (the tune) and harmony (the accompaniment).
- Music History & Genres: Classes also include an overview of different genres and historical periods in music, helping students recognize the evolution of music over time.