A central component of the RSO’s mission is to educate and enrich the community through the performance of symphonic music. Towards this end, the RSO offers a number of programs and special opportunities for children, teens, families, and adults of all ages.

This education process is especially crucial for the young people of Northern Illinois since many school music programs have suffered severe cutbacks in recent years.

By introducing students to symphonic music at an early age, the RSO is not only cultivating future audiences, it is helping to teach invaluable life skills such as teamwork, communication, self-discipline, self-esteem, creativity, and self-expression through the arts.

Our education programs annually reach more than 10,000 children of all ages, backgrounds and socioeconomic status in a seven county region.

In recent years, we have begun offering more opportunities for families to experience the orchestra through special events on concert days. Now, with an earlier start time to our evening concerts, families may find that children as young as eight will enjoy a special evening out going to an RSO concert.

Adult education opportunities have also expanded including collaborative events with other community organizations as well as more classes and lectures. The RSO also premiered a series of lunchtime talks the day before concerts called Sound Bites that has proved to be quite popular.

We’d like to thank our education sponsors:

Alfred & Ella Anderson Foundation
Clarcor Foundation
Hamiliton Sundstrand
Jack and Colleen Holmbeck
Rockford Area Arts Council
Fetelli