Education

The Loudoun Symphony is committed to educating young people about the joys of classical music and providing performing opportunities for musicians of all ages. Our educational programs, including the Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra, youth orchestra scholarships, In-School Concerts, String Workshop, and the Instrument Petting Zoo, are supported in part by funding from the following Education Partners:

If you would like to join these generous donors in helping us fulfill our educational mission, please visit the Support page on our website.

The Loudoun String Workshop, combined with the other components of the Loudoun Symphony, offers the only opportunity for string players in Loudoun to receive hands-on experience. In addition to participating in the string workshop, several children from the community have auditioned for and been accepted into the larger Loudoun Community Orchestra, and currently two outstanding youths participate in the Loudoun Chamber Symphony.

For those who do not play stringed instruments but are interested in listening to classical music (or have parents who would like them to!), the Symphony presents its Family Concert each year. Although created for six- to ten-year-olds, the concert is attended by families with children of all ages. Parents rave about the experience, not just for their children's enjoyment, but also because they learn about music themselves. The program consists of music from the Symphony's regular schedule. This is the real thing, not pop songs arranged for orchestra. Sections of the music are explored in depth, with specific portions demonstrated, and then put back together for all to enjoy. Past children's concerts have illustrated a heroic airplane rescue, a hoe-down, and some fiery Spanish culture.

The free Family Concert takes place on a Saturday afternoon in the Symphony's usual performance hall and with the orchestra in full concert dress. The experience is that of a formal evening concert. Kept to under an hour, the performance allows children and their families to enjoy the concert together and leaves time to talk about what they experienced.

One of the Symphony's educational program is a series of In-School Mini-Concerts. The program lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes a performance by a subset of the Loudoun Symphony, instruction from the Music Director, discussion, demonstration of instruments, student participation, and an opportunity for the students to ask questions. Each concert takes place at an assembly in the school's auditorium or multi-purpose room. The program is designed for first through fifth graders, and the school administration determines which students are invited to attend. The performers are from among the best string musicians in the Symphony, showcasing violins, violas, cellos, and basses. This ensemble is especially appropriate because the students generally have access to the wind and brass instruments of the orchestra through their school band programs, but may not have the opportunity to learn first hand about strings. Last year the Symphony's In-School Mini-Concert reached over 1,600 students in seven schools.