What We Do - Education

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 and cash prizes.

Our next RSO Concert Competition is scheduled for Saturday, January 29, 2022. 
Click here for Rules and Application for the 2022 Concerto Competition.

Our  “Side by Side” program gives the best and brightest young musicians in the region an opportunity to perform alongside our professional musicians. After a competitive audition process, these students receive small-group coaching with players from the Symphony. They are then paired with a member of the orchestra, who acts as a personal “coach” throughout the rehearsal process. This challenging, enriching, and inspiring experience gives the students a sense of the dedication and professionalism that awaits them if they choose a career in music.
 

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.

Please call the Symphony Office for more information, 318-442-9709.

This project is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and as administered by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana.  Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.

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 area schools as often as possible to work with their performing ensembles. If you would like information on having a Symphony musician visit your school, call the Symphony office at 318-442-9709.