Programs for Students
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s educational outreach program seeks to serve the young students of the Charleston tri-county area. Through Young People Concerts and in-school demonstrations, the CSO strives to bring music and arts education to the area's youth.
Young People Concerts
These concerts are presented at the Gaillard Auditorium. The CSO invites school children in the tri-county area in grades 2-5. These one-hour concerts are presented on two separate days and twice each day. The 2011-2012 season Young People Concerts (YPCs) are currently scheduled for January 18 & 19, 2012.
Before the concerts, teachers are provided with an online workbook about the upcoming concert program. These workbooks, which comply with the South Carolina curriculum standards, contain information about the musical program and activities for the students to complete prior to the concert.
The goal of these concerts is to establish an early appreciation of symphonic music. Evidence has shown that early art appreciation is key in building lifelong patrons. The concert objectives are to:
- Introduce children to classical music
- Teach children about different instruments and musical terminology
- Foster an appreciation for music
- Introduce students to musicians of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra
For more information or to reserve your students’ seats for upcoming YPCs, email
Cindy Branch or call (843) 723-7528 ext. 110.
In-School Concerts & Demonstrations
Another component of the CSO’s educational outreach program is in-school concerts and demonstrations. Throughout the school year, small ensembles of CSO musicians travel to schools in the tri-county area to perform free demonstrations and familiar musical selections for area students. The ensemble presents two 30-minute demonstrations at each school. The musicians usually discuss each of their instruments, play short excerpts on each instrument, and then collectively present a piece of music that will be familiar to the students. These concerts are usually presented to grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. These concerts take place through the CSO 2011/2012 season (November – May).
The goal of the in-school demonstrations is to foster an appreciation and deeper understanding of instrumental music.
The objectives of the concerts are:
- Teach students about the mechanics of individual instruments
- Introduce students to select pieces of classical music
- Teach students musical and instrument terminology
- Provide a more intimate setting for students to meet CSO musicians
For more information about CSO educational programs, email
Cindy Branch (link to email) or call (843) 723-7528 ext. 110.