EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT

“Music makes everything in your life a little happier.”
- Robert, age 10

The Southwest Florida Symphony is dedicated to providing lifelong music educational opportunities, available to all in our community. We intend to engage, excite and nurture the understanding of music. The Symphony will make performance opportunities available for students of all ages which enrich their understanding, skill and love of music. The Symphony intends to engage the entire community through collaboration, recognition of talent and building awareness of our Organization.

 

Southwest Florida Symphony Educational Programs
 
Youth Symphony
Open to strings, wind and percussion students, by audition, the group rehearses weekly at Edison College and performs five concerts each year. Students receive coaching from the professional musicians of SWFLSO.  Each year the students and parents participate in several fundraising events to support the youth orchestra program.
 
Concert Orchestra
New in 2012-13, the Concert Orchestra is a full orchestra of strings, winds and percussion designed as an intermediate ensemble to prepare students for the Youth Symphony.The Concert Orchestra is conducted by Roland Forti.
 
Sinfonietta
The Sinfonietta is an orchestra for less experienced string players. The group rehearses weekly and performs throughout the year, to include an annual holiday performance at Bell Tower Mall. The group is conducted by Nanette Grant. 
 
Young People's Concerts - May 7, 2013
This fun-filled concert will provide an excellent introduction to the wonderful sound of a live, professional symphony orchestra in concert.
 
Ensembles in the Schools
A string quartet and brass quintet are available to give free educational performances at Lee County Elementary Schools. The programs are tied to the music curriculum and introduce fifth-graders to the instruments, musical periods, composers, and elements of music.  
 
Instrument Zoo
Instruments of the orchestra are available for a hand-on experience.
 
Symphony Discovery Club
Available to students K-12, students pay a one-time membership fee of $15. They receive a T-shirt, a membership card and an invitation to a special event (usually an open rehearsal.) Throughout their academic career, they can purchase three discounted tickets ($5) for themselves and family members for balcony seating to any concert.
 
Disadvantaged / At Risk Youth
Free tickets to selected concerts are made available to various agencies. The agency completes the request form and tickets are mailed to them for distribution.
 
Student Rush Tickets
For college students, students show their ID one hour before the concert and can purchase two tickets for $5 each.
 
Jillian Prescott Music Awards
Annual competition for cash awards and opportunity to perform with SWFLSO, open to keyboard, winds, strings and vocalists, age 12-22 and legal residents of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades or Hendry counties in Florida.
 
Van Sickle Scholarship Competition
Held every other year, this is a scholarship competition for college voice students.
 
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.

Several Orchestra rehearsals throughout the year at the Riverside Community Center are open to the public. For dates, programs and information, click this link. 

 
Pre-Concert Lectures and Post-Concert Discussions