The WCFSO has a strong commitment to education. Each year, the Symphony serves over 7,500 students with high-quality programs that are offered free of charge.
Lollipop Concerts are free Saturday morning concerts that have delighted young children and their families for over 25 years. The series typically offers 5-7 performances per year and serves over 1,000 children. Click here for schedule.
Youth Concerts reach 4,000 4th-6th graders each April and serve schools from an 8-county radius. These free concerts at the Gallagher-Bluedorn feature the full orchestra in creative and interactive programs. Local educators work with the WCFSO to create materials that help teachers integrate the concert experience into the classroom curriculum.
Partners-in-Education brings together the Symphony and Edison Elementary School in Waterloo. The WCFSO collaborates with Edison on student programs, including visits by Music Director Jason Weinberger and WCFSO musicians, as well as assistance with fundraisers and awards functions.
The Instrument Petting Zoo appears at all Lollipop Concerts and at events throughout the community. Kids have the hands-on experience of trying out instruments from the various families of the orchestra.
The Young Artist Concerto Competition attracts top student musicians from around the state. The winner typically performs with the WCFSO on the Youth Concerts and the top three places receive cash awards.
Jason Weinberger makes at least 25 in-school conductor visits annually. Visits range from elementary school presentations in advance of the Youth Concerts to clinics with high school orchestra and band musicians.
The WCFSO provides master class opportunities with guest artists. In recent seasons, high school and college musicians have had the opportunity to work with artists like David Shifrin, Nadja-Salerno Sonnenberg, Peter Schickele, Philip Wharton, Matt Haimovitz, Edgar Meyer, and Zuill Bailey.
