Educational Outreach

For more information or to schedule a program, please contact contact us.

Symphony Storytime

The Owensboro Symphony presents Symphony Storytime; this program introduces children to some of the most recognizable classical music by reading stories from The Story Orchestra Book Series. This Book Series brings classical music to life for children through gorgeously illustrated retellings of classical ballet, opera, and program music stories paired with 10-second sound clips of orchestras playing from their musical scores.  Each Symphony Storytime includes reading a storybook with musical interludes from famous orchestral works and a music education component where students will learn about the composer and the music heard and can ask questions and interact with the Owensboro Symphony’s education team. This engaging program will be fun, imaginative, and educational for all who listen. 

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Symphony Storytime events at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History!

Tuesday, January 23 – 1:30pm – The Carnival of the Animals

Tuesday, February 27 – 9:30am – Swan Lake

Tuesday, April 2 – 9:30am – Four Seasons in One Day

Friday, April 5 – 9:30am – The Planets

Tuesday, April 30 – 9:30am – The Planets

Viva Violins!

Viva Violins! enhances music education for 4th and 5th grade students with a hands on introduction to the violin. During this introductory violin program, students will begin learning how to play the violin in different techniques specific to string instruments with fun violin pieces set to musical accompaniments. Along with playing the violin, students will learn about taking care of an instrument, the parts of the violin and how it makes sound, and the string family of the orchestra. This is a great program to encourage students to begin thinking about an instrument they may like to play in middle school, either in band or orchestra. Viva is a word used to cheer in Italian; the perfect word to describe our appreciation of the violin and the uplifting learning environment of Viva Violins!

Strings Attached

Strings Attached is a four-week program for students to learn the basics of playing the violin, the hard work and dedication required to play an instrument, to play as a group, to listen to music and the impact it has in the learning process, practice skills, and how to perform for an audience. At the first class, a violin is provided to each student for use during classes and individual/group practice time. This eight-class program teaches students how to play the violin in different techniques specific to string instruments through pieces set to musical accompaniments. As this program builds through the years in your school or group, ensemble parts can be introduced to allow returning Strings Attached students an opportunity to continue building on the skills learned in previous years. In addition, students will learn about taking care of the instrument, the parts of a violin and how it makes sound, and the string family of the orchestra. Strings Attached is recommended for students ranging from 3rd to 5th grade. This program is led by the Owensboro Symphony’s Education Coordinator and Violin Instructor, Adrienne Vallandingham, and Cello Instructor, Carrie Olsen.

Guest on the Go

Guest on the Go brings the phenomenal guest artists of the Owensboro Symphony to groups of students throughout the community. Guest artists from all over the world visit with a specific group of students from local schools and organizations to inspire them in their talent and ability.

Symphony Safari

In collaboration with Guest on the Go, Symphony Safari provides free tickets to students. After hearing from the guest artist about the concert, each student (along with their family) will be invited to attend  the concert. Symphony Safari is made possible through the generous giving of the Yeager Charitable Trust.

Lobby Concerts

Lobby Concerts feature groups of students from musical areas of the community as they perform in the Riverpark Center lobby prior to the Owensboro Symphony concerts. This opportunity offers students invaluable experience performing in front of an appreciative audience in a professional setting as well as the chance to hear the Owensboro Symphony in Cannon Hall at a reduced rate for the entire family.

The Owensboro Symphony
Youth Apprenticeship Program

The Owensboro Symphony is excited to introduce a new youth apprenticeship program for students (16+) in the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra or studying at the Owensboro Symphony Academy that have an interest in learning more about a career in classical music. The program provides students the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of what makes a concert happen through direct connection with the Owensboro Symphony staff.  Participants will gain firsthand experience and knowledge through observing and assisting with rehearsals and performances. Students will receive community service credit for volunteer hours. Exceptional students in the program may also receive letters of recommendation for college applications and consideration for paid services in special concert settings.