The board, musicians, staff and volunteers are very proud of the many educational opportunities that we are providing in our community each and every day. We work in cooperation with the Lafayette Public Schools, private schools and music teachers to create and implement programs of importance to our youth.
Each year the LSO provides:
- Symphony-On-The-Go. A free program for 4th graders, introducing over 2000 youngsters to the joy of symphonic music, while enhancing educational curriculums. Teachers click here to download an application.
- LSO Youth String Scholarships. Thanks to the generosity of the McPherson family, the LSO is able to offer string players a scholarship for summer music study and private lessons.
- Keller Competition. Musicians age 22 and younger compete for the opportunity to perform as featured soloists with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra. The "Keller Concert" as it has become known, is one of the most popular concerts each year. See the concert pages for a listing of the Keller finalists who will be performing on January 22, 2011 with the LSO.
- Musical Petting Zoo. In tandem with our Family Concert, the LSO provides young and old alike the chance to touch and play a variety of instruments found in the orchestra. For many, this is the first hands-on experience with a musical instrument. Maybe the next Mozart will be inspired by this hands-on approach!
- Lollipop Concert. The Lollipop Family Concert is a fun and affordable way for children and their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends to experience the symphony. An interactive and entertaining experience for the entire family.
- Strings Attached. A program that allows 3rd and 4th graders to get a free violin lesson on a child-size violin. LSO musicians visit school classrooms with the violins to allow children this great experiance.
- Puccini's Backstage with the Symphony. A free program that invites families to attend an LSO dress rehearsal. Includes free pizza and a tour of the Long Center with the conductor. RSVP required.
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Family Cushion Concert. A free program held local libraries for children ages 4-12. Kids get the chance to interact with a special guest musician and hear a musical story read by Lafayette’s most well-known personalities, while sitting on comfy cushions!
Last years McPherson String Scholarship Winners were:
Daniel Choi
Nathan Davis
Agustina de la Fuente
Christina Doerr
Kaleb Emery
Adrian Escobar
Joseph Frank
LeAnn Hackerd
Amy He
Clara Loisch
Gabriella Loisch
Dillon Miller
Kayla Newcomb
Mark Timmerman
Bryce Wang
