Educational Outreach Programs
After School Instrumental Music Programs
With the support of generous funders, Symphony in C currently partners with the Catholic Partnership Schools and the Octavius Catto School in Camden, NJ to provide free instrumental music lessons, field trips, and performance opportunities for students who would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument in school. Our talented teaching artists interact with students on a weekly basis throughout the school year, and many of the students from these programs join us at our Summer Camp as well, where they attend tuition-free.
Symphony Summer Camp
Our summer camp is a two-week intensive training program taking place at Rutgers University–Camden for band and orchestra musicians ages 10–18. Led by our roster of teaching artists, the camp includes instrumental lessons, chamber music, wind ensemble, string ensemble, and full orchestra, as well as elective courses such as music theory, conducting, and more. The camp concludes with a final public performance featuring students playing side-by-side with their teachers. Need-based financial aid is available (Camden residents and students in our after-school programs automatically receive full tuition scholarships). Learn More.
Symphony in C Youth Orchestra
The Symphony in C Youth Orchestra is comprised of young musicians ages 10–18 and typically meets on Monday evenings during the school year at Haddonfield United Methodist Church. The Youth Orchestra gives two performances each season, led by director Matt Gould. Students are coached by Symphony in C teaching artists through regular sectionals and full-ensemble rehearsals. New in 2024, all Youth Orchestra members also participate in a chamber ensemble. The Youth Orchestra also performs side-by-side with the Symphony in C Professional Orchestra throughout its season, and need-based financial aid is available. Learn More.
Classroom Symphony
This program allows students in grades K–8 to experience the four instrument families in the symphony orchestra (winds, brass, strings, percussion) through interactive performances with our young professional musicians. During each 60-minute show, chamber ensembles demonstrate their instruments, perform a wide variety of music, and lead interactive demonstrations with the audience. At the conclusion of the program, audience members can see the instruments up close and ask the musicians questions.
To discuss bringing this program into your school, community center, etc., please email us.
Concerts for Young People
An opportunity for students (and adults) to hear the full symphony orchestra in an educational and entertaining format. The program centers around a theme and often includes narration and collaboration with other area artists.
