The Annapolis Symphony offers a variety of unique and rewarding programs. From concerts for school children, to hosting musicians in the classroom, the Symphony has variety of educational programs for schools in and around Anne Arundel County.
Concerts for School Children
The Symphony performs annual education concerts for more than 2,600 elementary school children from Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Taking place during the school day, these educational performances expose students to symphonic music in a theater setting, regardless of their socio-economic status. The Symphony strives to:
- Introduce elementary schoolchildren to live music performed by a professional orchestra
- To teach students about the four instrument families
- To engage young listeners with multi-media elements, such as theater, dance, magic or puppetry
- To reinforce that music is fun and accessible
Music Van
Throughout the month of May, Symphony musicians representing the string, woodwind, and brass families of the orchestra travel to Anne Arundel County Public Schools to visit third grade classes for a hands-on introduction to instruments of the orchestra.
Students are given the opportunity to hold and play the instruments with direction from Symphony professionals. This up-close and personal exposure to instruments help students in deciding which instrument they want to play in their school’s band or orchestra. The Music Van program has contributed to a significant increase in the number of students choosing to participate in instrumental music at their schools.
Support for Music Van is generously provided by The Helena Foundation and the Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (FASO).
Adopt-A-School
Teams of Annapolis Symphony musicians regularly visit AACPS schools to assist music teachers by providing individual coaching and instruction to instrumental music students.
The Adopt-A-School program culminates in a year-end concert featuring students and Symphony musicians playing side-by-side conducted by the Symphony’s Music Director, José-Luis Novo.
Local school orchestras have greatly improved through their participation in this program and have seen an increase in their scores at local orchestra competitions.
Adopted Schools Include:
- Annapolis Elementary School
- Annapolis Middle School
- Annapolis High School
- Bates Middle School
- Eastpoint Elementary School