The Southwest Florida Symphony Organization is committed to supporting and
encouraging Arts Education in Lee County. The Symphony’s commitment to
education is evident through its educational programs which it dedicates
over $100,000 to annually.
The Symphony is dedicated to providing the very best in educational opportunities for our audience of the future. Youth education fosters young musicians’ skills and strengthens their appreciation for the classics. Programs are extended to children in Lee, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte counties.
For additional information on any educational programs, please call
the Symphony Offices at 239.418.0996.
ENSEMBLES IN
SCHOOLS
A trio of musicians representing the string, brass, and woodwind instrument families, perform for fourth and fifth grade students in Lee County Public Schools. Teachers receive written materials prior to the program, to assist in preparing their students. The program provides demonstrations of the instruments and playing techniques as well as the performance of repertoire representing a variety of musical periods and styles.
The Ensembles in the Schools program is supported by a grant from the L.A.T. Foundation.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND COMPETITIONS
The Young Artist Competition
The competition is an annual event for keyboard, voice and instrumental performers 22 years of age or younger who have legal residence in the counties of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry in Florida. Cash prizes are awarded and the overall winner is featured in a performance with the Southwest Florida Symphony. The competition is open to the public.
The Young Artist Competition is funded by the Jillian Prescott Memorial Music Fund.
The Van Sickle Vocal Scholarship Competition, is held every two years. The
competitionis open to high school seniors who are planning to major in music with voice as their principal instrument, or vocal majors already in college or graduate school. The scholarship may be awarded to anyone majoring in Music, Music Education, Theory, etc.as long as the principal instrument is voice. The scholarship will be awarded for a period of four years, with $2,000 granted each year.
The Donald M. Haag Music Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior
pursuing college studies in music and is based on an essay.
TICKET PROGRAMS FOR DISADVANTAGED & AT-RISK STUDENTS
The Symphony offers complimentary concert tickets to children, families, and
individuals, many from public housing areas, as well as to Scholars Club students.
For more information regarding this program, or to become involved, please
call the Symphony Office at 239.418.0996.
INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO
Meet the instruments of the orchestra up close and personal. The Instrument Zoo is a traveling interactive display that provides a hands on experience for young students or adults. The program offers an introduction to instrument families and the role in the orchestra. Please don’t feed the trombones!
CAMPUS CHORD CLUB
THE BEST MUSICAL DEAL AROUND!
For a ONE TIME fee of $15 students in grades K-12 can enjoy concerts and learn about music throughout their school years at great savings. Chord Club
members can purchase as many as 3 tickets per concert weekend for only $5 each.
These tickets are subject to availability and can only be purchased during the two weeksimmediately preceding the concert. Tickets must be purchased through the Symphony Box Office. They are not available online.
Call 239.418.1500 for tickets.
OPEN REHEARSALS
Student groups have the opportunity to meet the Maestro and to observe a professional orchestra prepare for a concert. There is also the possibility of a tour of backstage (must be pre-arranged).Call SWFLSO Office to schedule your group.
STUDENT RUSH TICKETS $5 PER TICKET!
Last minute concert tickets will be available to college students one hour before
any Pops and Classical Symphony Concert held at the Barbara B. Mann Hall for
$5 (subject to availability). A valid school Student ID is necessary at the time of purchase. Students may purchase only two tickets per concert.
Tickets must be purchased at the concert venue. Advance tickets are not available
through the Box Office. Students should not experience capacity issues.
FOR ADULTS
Pre-concert lectures
45 minutes prior to classical concerts, usually given by Joseph Caulkins
Program notes
This year written by Michael Hall
Talk Back
Conversations with conductor, guest artists and musicians following Chamber Orchestra Concerts
