Symphony Goes to School

This program is intended for students in 3rd and 4th grades as an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra and in preparation for the Youth Concert when they reach 5th grade. Now in its thirteenth year, players from the RSO visit classrooms to demonstrate and discuss their instruments (sometimes bringing several varieties), and give a history of the instrument. Acoustical information and playing techniques are included. This half-hour visit allows students to hear, see, and talk with professional musicians on a personal level. Musicians prepare presentations with reference to the ISBE State Goals and Standards for music, language arts, and social studies.

In addition to familiarizing students with the instrument families and RSO musicians, the classroom visit puts a "face" to the Symphony. There is a more personal connection with the orchestra when students recognize their classroom visitor as a member of the RSO on stage.

Symphony Goes to School Request Form for Teachers

Home School News!

Home school groups are continuing to discover all the RSO has to offer. Home school families and co-ops are invited to the Riverfront Museum Park for special Symphony Goes to Home School programs. Due to many requests from home school parents and groups, the series of SGTS presentation will be held in four sessions throughout the year. Each session features a different concept, group of musical instruments, or ensemble performance.

Upcoming classes include:

This class for ages 5-7 explores the very basic elements of music – rhythm, tempo and dynamics. Learn how changing these fundamental elements makes music different in ways we can hear and feel.

$5 per child for each session; OR $12 for all three if registered in advance

This series of three classes explores the lives of three American composers. Discover their unique style and uncover the mystery of what makes American music different from music composed in other parts of the world. Designed for students ages 8-12.

Wednesday, March 5  Introducing Aaron Copeland

Known for big brass and percussion, Copeland’s music expresses all the grandeur of the promise and hope of America. Using folk tunes and melodies that are reminders of the pioneer era, Copeland’s bold compositions can also be delicate and peaceful.

Wednesday, March 26  Introducing Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington grew up during a particularly lively and creative time in the development of American music. Although he is often best known for music composed for his big jazz orchestra, Ellington composed serious symphonic music as well. This tremendously prolific composer wrote music acclaimed all over the world.

Wednesday, April 16  Introducing George Gershwin

The son of European immigrants, George Gershwin and his brother Ira wrote a lot of popular music in New York City where they grew up and worked most of their lives. George’s interest in composing more serious music for symphony orchestra and piano gave way to some of America’s best loved orchestral repertoire.

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RSO Woodwind Quintet and Brass Quintet

RSO musicians make up these two outreach performance ensembles. Each group presents concepts based on a theme illustrated by short musical examples. Presentations last approximately 45 minutes. The Woodwind Quintet focuses on concepts of time and tempo using counting and rhythm as the basis for the presentation. The Brass Quintet includes lessons regarding basic acoustical principles as they entertain students with lively musical excerpts.