Community Partnerships
KSO works closely with community partners to develop programs that meet community needs, eliminate barriers to music learning, and connect young musicians in our community with professional KSO mentors.
Marvelous Music
Preschool children are learning and developing through Marvelous Music. This program builds social-emotional skills (active participation, focus, expression) and Kindergarten readiness skills (motor skills, musical aptitude, pre-reading skills) through music and movement. Marvelous Music is a collaboration of KSO and Crescendo Academy of Music and works in partnership with KRESA Head Start, Great Start Readiness Programs, KRESA Great Start, and the Northside Preschool.
Kalamazoo Kids In Tune
Working hand in hand with Communities in Schools of Kalamazoo and KPS, KSO offers Kalamazoo Kids in Tune, an innovative after-school orchestra and youth development program serving 1st - 5th grade students at KPS Woods Lake Elementary.
Coaches for Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra
KSO partners with the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra to pair KSO Artists in Residence with aspiring young musicians as ensemble and section coaches.
KSO and KJSO also partner to ensure that Kalamazoo Kids in Tune (KKIT) string players begin participating in the first of three preparatory KJSO ensembles after one year of instruction. KJSO Training Orchestra rehearsals were moved to Woods Lake Elementary, home of KKIT, in the 2014-15 season to facilitate KKIT participation.
AIR Instructors at Crescendo Academy of Music
KSO and CAM partner to make professional orchestra musicians available as instructors for students in the community. Many KSO musicians, including KSO Artists in Residence, serve on the CAM faculty. Visit Crescendo's website or call (269) 345-6664 for availability and scheduling.
Community and Education Events
Keep your eye out for KSO musicians at the Farmer’s Market, Art Hop, and other community gatherings!
