Education

"The educational programs of the Richmond Symphony seek to foster and develop diverse, informed audiences who value live symphonic performances and music education in our community; to help nurture and develop young musicians; and to advocate for music education and orchestral music."

- Richmond Symphony Board Education Committee

Building community and enriching lives through music is central to the mission of the Richmond Symphony. In addition to our regular season concerts for families and children, RSO musicians perform for over 30,000 school-aged students annually. In-school ensemble performances (Musical Ambassadors Program) are available throughout the school year, and RSO’s Discovery education concerts are presented twice each season (November and February in the 2008-2009 school year). "Symphony at School" is a new education initiative for the 2008-2009 school year, providing in-school instruction at two participating Richmond Public middle schools. The RSO Residency program visits one school each year for an intensive period of study with RSO musicians and staff. RSO’s 2008-2009 Residency, presented in partnership with the University of Richmond and the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, will be at Hanover High School celebrating the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

RSO presents a variety of community events each year such as "Come & Play" with the Richmond Symphony, a Musical Free-for-All, outdoor concerts at Pocahontas State Park, and participation at many local fairs and festivals with RSO’s Musical Petting Zoo and musician performances.

The Richmond Symphony's flagship educational program, the RSO Youth Orchestra Program, consists of four youth orchestras providing beginning to advanced musical training. As the premiere orchestral training program of central Virginia, students participate in weekly rehearsals, coaching and masterclasses by Richmond Symphony musicians, chamber music performances, mentoring and other musical and social activities.

For more information about any of the Richmond Symphony’s education and community engagement programs, please contact:

Aimee Halbruner
Director of Education & Community Engagement
Richmond Symphony
300 West Franklin Street, Suite #103E
Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: (804) 788.4717 x130
Fax: (804) 788.1541