Our Programs
The Phoenix Symphony promotes music education, performance, and learning for music lovers of all ages. The following paragraphs offer a brief overview of our many programs.
Youth Education
The Phoenix Symphony's Youth Education activities provide opportunities for students and educators to experience live symphonic music - both in their schools and at Symphony Hall. The Phoenix Symphony's "Symphony for the Schools" and "Classroom Concert" programs are designed to provide an introductory and evolving concert experience for students.
Symphony for the Schools
The Phoenix Symphony's premiere education program "Symphony for the Schools" provides outstanding educational experiences for more than 30,000 students each year. These 45- minute daytime concerts and accompanying teacher resources have been developed using the Arizona State Arts and Academic Standards. For more information click here.
Classroom Concerts
Serving the greater Phoenix area, The Phoenix Symphony Education Ensembles, including the String Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and Woodwind Ensemble, perform educational and entertaining Classroom Concerts in valley elementary and middle schools. Classroom Concerts inspire students to develop a deeper understanding of orchestral instruments, and the performances motivate students to become involved in school instrumental music programs. The String Orchestra, composed of 20 members of The Phoenix Symphony string section, has presented programs for the greater Phoenix area for nearly 30 years and has engaged students from all social and economic backgrounds. The Brass & Percussion Ensemble and Woodwind Ensemble will move into their third year of performing throughout the valley - serving to develop student understanding of the orchestra's instrument families. For more information, click here.
One Nation- Celebrating our 11th year of commitment
For the past eleven years, One Nation has created opportunities for musical and cultural interaction between The Phoenix Symphony and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. This program enhances the fundamental music programs of the Community’s elementary and high schools and builds relationships between Symphony musicians and students. Symphony musicians teach music lessons to students, and students are given the opportunity to attend open rehearsals and concerts downtown at Symphony Hall. The symphony is proud to serve families in this community and looks forward to another year of growth and improvement.
Symphony Connections
This program, in partnership with Maricopa Community Colleges, presents Phoenix Symphony String Orchestra performances on community college campuses. These inspiring performances are educational in nature, and provide opportunities for students to interact with musicians. Other components include lecture-demonstration activities, and student tickets to Symphony concerts.
"Musically Speaking" Pre-Concert Conversations
"Musically Speaking" pre-concert discussions begin one hour prior to every Classics concert (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, Friday mornings and Sunday afternoons). Using an informal half-hour format, our moderator interviews a guest artist or a member of the Symphony. The week's music is discussed, and the audience is invited to ask questions. This series of "Musically Speaking" Pre-Concert Conversations is free to all ticket holders for each respective concert.
Phoenix Symphony "Close-Ups" at Mountain View Presbyterian Church
This series of free lecture-demonstrations feature individual musicians from The Phoenix Symphony talking about their lives, background, and instrument. Each one-hour "Close-Up" includes a question & answer session. The Mountain View Presbyterian Church (8050 E. Mountain View Rd, Scottsdale). The Borders evening series is sponsored by Borders Books & Music. The Mountain View morning series is presented by the Phoenix Symphony Auxiliary.
Community Ticket Programs
The Phoenix Symphony is committed to making our musical performances available to as many people as possible. Money-saving offers include our annual season subscription ticket packages, as well as a range of student, senior, and group discount programs.
For additional information on these or other Education & Community Programs, please contact the Education Office at 602-495-1117 x470, or education@phoenixsymphony.org.
