Education

The Rapides Symphony is strongly committed to the education and development of the Symphony’s future musicians and audiences. Our educational initiatives include:

RSO Community Music School

The Rapides Symphony Community Music School is an educational initiative of the Rapides Symphony Orchestra. The goal is to provide opportunities for people of all ages to experience music’s beneficial effects in their lives. Through group classes, private instruction, and performances, all citizens of central Louisiana will have the opportunity to enrich their lives through music. For detailed information, see the Community Music School webpage or call 318-442-9709.

Youth Honor Orchestra

The best young musicians from the Central Louisiana Area audition and rehearse over a weekend and have the opportunity to work with a regionally recognized clinician/conductor. The program culminates with a concert that is free and open to the public. Auditions are generally held in late February or March each year. Please call the Symphony Office for more information, 318-442-9709.

Side-by-Side Educational Concert

Our region’s brightest young musicians will perform “side-by-side” with members of the Rapides Symphony Orchestra for an audience of 5th graders from around the Central Louisiana area.

Concerto Competition

This biennial competition attracts the very best young instrumental soloists from throughout Louisiana to win the opportunity to perform on a subscription concert with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra. The next competition will be held in, January 2013 at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Please call the Symphony office for more information 318-442-9709.

In-School programs

The Symphony utilizes the talents of its musicians, guest artists, and volunteer docents as musical ambassadors to the area’s schools. Maestro Zona also visits as often as possible area schools to work with their performing ensembles. If you would like information on having a Symphony musician visit your school, cal 318-42-9709.