Education Programs

Outreach education programs serve more than 50,000 adults and children in Greensboro and the surrounding area.

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN

Click here to download a printable version of our 2006-2007 Education Flyer.

Going to the symphony and want to learn more about the music, the musicians and their instruments?

Click here to download "So You're Going To The Symphony."

GREENSBORO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS
The Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestras now encompass three different groups at various levels. The Youth Strings Orchestra is for predominantly elementary and middle school students. The orchestra rehearses once a week and performs two concerts annually. Karen Collins, GSO String Specialist, conducts the Youth Strings orchestra. The Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra (GSYO) is an advanced ensemble for high school students. The GSYO performs three concerts each year and is conducted by Music Director Bruce Kiesling. The Honors Chamber Ensemble of the GSYO is an elite group of fine musicians that performs works composed for smaller ensembles. The Chamber orchestra performs at special events in the community in addition to two concerts each year.

HIGH SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Greensboro Symphony Guild created this new education program as a way to enhance and encouragemusic achievement between the high school students and the GSO musicians.  This pilot program was sponsored by the News & Record and will begin with Ragsdale High School.  Members of the GSO mentored students of the Ragsdale High School string orchestra by visiting the school on two separate occasions. On May 3,  at 7:00 p.m. at WMA, the high school students will follow the same program as the GSO musicians; a selection from Brahams, Beethoven and will play a composition written especially for them.  The original piece was composed by the brother of the Ragsdale orchestra teacher, Andrew Oldham. This partnership program allows the GSG, the GSO, and the area high schools to work together and enhance the quality of life in Greensboro and surrounding areas through the cultural arts. 

ALLEGRO STRINGS
Young beginning musicians learn ensemble performance techniques.

MUSIC IN THE MIDDLE
Greensboro Symphony Orchestra presents an annual concert in October for middle school students.  The educational aspect of the program integrates with the cirriculum. Each seventh grade student receives a study booklet with explanations, games and projects that can be used with the concert theme into the school's curriculum. Students can submit essays with awards given to the top two essay writers and their teachers.  Winners and teachers also receive complimentary tickets to a GSO performance. Guild volunteers handle concert and contest logistics. Contact musicinthemiddle@gsoguild.org for more information or to volunteer.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONCERTS
This program features works of some of the world’s most prolific composers, performed by the full orchestra. In preparation for the concert, each third and fourth grade student receives an activity book of class projects, study guides, games and individual assignments to be incorporated into the music curriculum. Additional preparation takes place when the GSO ensembles visit the schools prior to the full orchestra concerts. Students arrive at the concert well prepared, enabling them to more fully enjoy the sounds of the orchestra. The Elementary School concerts take place in March each year.

IN-SCHOOL ENSEMBLE PROGRAM
Four ensemble groups from the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra present forty-minute lecture/demonstrations in area schools. Third and fourth grade students have the opportunity to meet these musicians from the Brass and Woodwind Quintets, String Quartet and Percussion Trio and develop a basic understanding of the instruments. Students learn how the different instruments function and what sounds to listen for when the ensemble plays together. They learn the fundamentals of performing within the orchestra.  All elementary school students receive GSO concert vouchers to attend a GSO concert at which student musicians perform in the lobby.

OTHER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
In addition to the programs above, lessons are offered in violin and strings to students in grades 3-5 at several area schools including Hampton, Jones and Peck Elementary. Kindermusik is offered at Washington and Rankin Elementary schools.

ART & MUSIC PROJECT
These projects are sponsored by the Guild and open to all Guilford County School students.  Guild volunteers handle concert and contest logistics.

ESSAY CONTEST
Awards are given to the top two essay writers and their teachers.  Winners and teachers are also given complimentary tickets to a GSO performance. Guild volunteers handle concert and contest logistics.

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS

SYMPHONY PRELUDES
These preludes include pre-concert series presented before each Masterworks concert, featuring an educational presentation about the evening’s musical selections.  Guild members introduce speakers.

MUSIC AT MIDDAY
A five-concert series provides hour-long enrichment programs for senior citizens.  Guild members introduce ensembles.

ORCHESTRA PRIMER
Learn more about the instruments that make up a symphony in our Orchestra Primer!

WOMEN'S CHORUS -- LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!
The Women’s Chorus, an educational outreach project of the Symphony Guild, gives 25 performances a year from October through April. Any Guild member who loves to sing and share the joy of music is welcome. There is no audition required. The Chorus’ repertoire of light music includes show tunes, sprirituals, popular songs and seasonal music, arranged in programs lasting from fifteen to thirty minutes.

Our weekly rehearsals begin in September and are held Tuesdays at Starmount Presbyterian Church on West Market Street, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. We have an outstanding director and a wonderful accompanist. Except for our Grand Finale at the end of April, all of our performances are in the daytime. We present our programs to civic clubs, church groups, schools and senior citizen centers. With over 25 members, we have lots of fun bringing music to the community, and we would be delighted to add more exuberant voices to our group! For more information, or to join the Women’s Chorus, e-mail womenschorus@gsoguild.org or contact Kathy Rendall.

The Guild Vice President of Education chairs the Education Committee of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, whose members come from the Guild, the Symphony Board, the GSO staff, and musicians from the orchestra. The committee oversees all of the education and outreach programs.