Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
Alabama Symphony Orchestra is helping change lives of students—learn more
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One way the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) fulfills its mission to change lives is by introducing kids to music. Students might wonder, “How do musicians count?” or “Why does a woodwind instrument sound the way it does?” Through meaningful education programs, ASO musicians foster strong relationships with neighboring schools to inspire students throughout the state.
Education concert programs featuring the full Alabama Symphony Orchestra
ASO offers a variety of educational concerts featuring the full orchestra to help to kids have a firm foundation for music appreciation.
- Young Persons Concert
What: a time when students are bussed in from schools around the county to the Alys Stephens Center to watch a live performance and learn about the instrument families of the orchestra.
Who: students in second through fifth grade
Cost: Free-$8
- Explore Concerts
What: concerts offered off-site where musicians demonstrate how instruments are played and teach beginning musical terms.
Who: students in preschool, kindergarten, first and second grade
Cost: Free-$8
- Coffee Concerts
What: a focused exploration and sophisticated perspective into specific music pieces
Who: middle and high school students
Cost: Free-$8
- Building Blocks of the Symphony
What: a creative and educational way to engage students in learning about the foundations of music with STEAM concepts.
Who: the youngest concert goers
Cost: Free-$8- Wednesday, February 28, 10AM | UAB’s Alys Stephens Center–Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
- Thursday, February 29, 10AM | UAB’s Alys Stephens Center–Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
- Friday, March 15, 9:30AM | Thompson High School, 1921 Warrior Pkwy, Alabaster, AL 35007
- Friday, March 15, 11AM | Thompson High School, 1921 Warrior Pkwy, Alabaster, AL 35007
- Reserve tickets
Education Concerts that are held at the Alys Stephens Center are held in partnership with UAB’s ArtPlay and are FREE to the public with certain registration conditions.
Donate today to support ASO Education Programming.
INSPIRE program sends smaller ensembles into Birmingham schools
ASO’s INSPIRE program sends two to four musicians directly into Birmingham schools for an up close and interactive experience. Allowing students to ask questions directly to orchestra members creates a more personalized interaction between musicians and students rather than having the audience and orchestra with a stage in between.
ASO musicians can help encourage critical thinking
The music can be designed specifically for each classroom based on the curriculum. Teachers and ASO musicians can work together to help students connect their musical experience to real-world principles and encourage critical thinking.
“When I was young, a musician from the local Orchestra introduced me to symphony instruments and classical music. It’s part of why I’m a musician today. It starts with introducing kids to music and helping them expand their horizons.”
Richard Cassarino, Assistant Principal Double Bass, Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Support the ASO’s Education Programming with a donation today.
Virtual programs are shared across the state of Alabama
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ASO started to stream into schools virtually with video conferences where musicians could perform for students.
“That was a really pivotal moment for us as an organization. We had never streamed into a school setting and all of a sudden we were able to reach tens of thousands of kids who we normally would not be able to have in our concert hall. It was pretty amazing to see how many students we could reach virtually as the states Orchestra.”
Maria Wilson, Director of Education, Alabama Symphony, Orchestra
Paying meaningful experiences forward to Birmingham
ASO musicians are very grateful for the support they receive from the Birmingham community. A big reason they are passionate about bringing joy to others is so they can give back to The Magic City.
“We recently did a program for middle and high school band students and they were so excited. It was heartwarming, playing for them, and felt like there was a personal connection between the musicians and students. That feeling is the most rewarding part!”
Richard Cassarino, Assistant Principal Double Bass, Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Check out ASO’s website today to learn more about wonderful educational performances by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
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