Pre-School & Elementary Programs
At the KSO, we believe that music enhances even the youngest lives! That's why we offer programs for children from Pre-School to Elementary age. To request a program at your school or receive more information, fill out our program inquiry form.
Stimulating Musical Imagination Programs
M&Ms: Music & Make Believe / Musical Storybooks
Pre-Schoolers join our String Quartet in local libraries and community venues for stories, activities and great music.
Family Discovery Concerts
Ideal for children and their families, these Sunday afternoon concerts at Chenery Auditorium combine great orchestra music with fun theatrical elements. Young subscribers, ages 4-12, can join "Barry's Buddies," and everyone is invited to visit the Instrument Petting Zoo before the Family Discovery concert.
Exploring Live Music
For Elementary Students
Youth Concerts
These school-day concerts, attended annually by 13,000 students from 90 schools, explore masterworks of music in thematic concerts. Students learn about the music in advance using CD's and curriculum materials designed by area music teachers.
Instrument Petting Zoo
Children handle and play many instruments of the orchestra through this nationally award-winning, hands-on traveling exhibit.
Music on the Move
KSO string, wind, brass, and percussion ensembles take to the road to bring music into over 75 schools in Kalamazoo and surrounding counties.
Musical Connections
KSO musicians visit classrooms to introduce themselves, their instruments, and give students an "up-close" connection with great music.
Lessons with Artists-in-Residence at Crescendo Academy of Music
KSO partners with Crescendo Academy of Music to offer intermediate and advanced-level private study with KSO Artists in Residence on clarinet, oboe, horn, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. Visit CrescendoAcademy.com or call (269) 345-6664 for availability and scheduling.
Building Creative Connections
KSO/Gilmore Partner Schools
Classroom, art, and music experiences are linked in a sequence designed to build creative learning connections. Seven area schools partner with KSO and the Gilmore Keyboard Festival for this program. Current KSO/Gimore Partners are: Comstock East Elementary, KPS Indian Prairie Elementary, KPS Woods Lake: A Magnet Center for the Arts, Lawton Elementary, PPS Moorsbridge Elementary, Kalamazoo Christian Elementary, and Kalamazoo Country Day School.
Musicians-in-Residence
A KSO musician or ensemble "adopts" a school and visits every classroom throughout the course of the school year. Students prepare for the visit through a sequence of classroom, art and music activities, culminating in a collaborative performance with their resident musician. Our current Musicians-in-Residence partner is M.L. King Westwood Elementary.
Encouraging Creative Musical Skills
Young Composers in Concert
Budding young composers can submit original compositions for consideration. All entries receive comments from a panel of composer-adjudicators, and two are chosen to be orchestrated and premiered at our Youth Concerts. (more info)
Youth Soloists in Concert
Advanced student performers audition for the opportunity to perform as soloists with the KSO during our Youth Concerts. Each of three winners performs two or more concerts with the orchestra, providing an opportunity for reflection and polishing in this formative experience.
Sharing Unique Expertise
For All Ages
Partner Projects
Each year the KSO partners with other area educational and community groups, such as Education for the Arts, Kalamazoo College, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Gazette, and area schools, to undertake special projects. Projects vary from year to year, and can include elementary to adult audiences.
