Teacher Resources: Educational Programs

Designed to be educational as well as entertaining, Amazing Music videos are a natural for the classroom, especially in the light of current research that validates music as an effective teaching tool. Therefore, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra has developed "The Classroom Edition" of Amazing Music for the educational market. The activities support in-school use of the programs with curriculum that integrates music with other classroom subjects.

Based on the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's highly acclaimed Amazing Music concerts for television, these engaging participatory workshops led by music education professionals demonstrate how music can be integrated into the classroom. No advanced knowledge of music is required for workshop participation.

A program to bring students and musical artists together through DSO open rehearsals, master classes, career days, conversations, concert hall tours, and our web site for the musically passionate teen, StudioDSO.com. Advanced Placement Music Theory classes are targeted for special support.

After students receive an introduction to classical music at a Dallas Symphony Orchestra Youth Concert, Families at the Orchestra allows them to reinforce their experience and share it with the families. During a Families at the Orchestra evening, families visit the Meyerson for an evening of a behind-the-scenes tour and a full concert experience.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Family Concerts offer a lively introduction to the orchestra and its music through "kid-friendly" performances of familiar, exhilarating repertoire.

The Lynn Harrell Concerto Competition was begun in 2002 to identify and encourage the highest level of musical talent in the Texas. It now provides string and piano students under the age of 18 from five states (Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana & Arkansas) the opportunity to compete for scholarships and a performance with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

An active partner with the Dallas Public Schools, the Dallas Symphony has "adopted" four elementary campuses: Louise W. Kahn Elementary, Sidney Lanier Vanguard, Eduardo Mata Elementary and T. L. Marsalis Elementary. The Dallas Symphony is also a committed participant in this community partnership dedicated to bringing the arts to every school child in Dallas through ArtsPartners, the Dallas Arts Learning Initiative, and WRR Classical 101.1 FM.

Free concert preview are presented prior to all classical subscription performances in Horchow Hall on the lower level of the Meyerson Symphony Center. The purpose of the sessions is to enhance concertgoers' experiences by providing supplemental knowledge about the performers, composers and repertoire.

Dallas Symphony musicians go to school! Ensembles present free programs which feature a wide range of repertoire, encourage audience participation and allow children to meet and identify with musicians.

Founded by Dallas Symphony musicians to create opportunities for talented African-American and Hispanic string students. Participants receive free private lessons, mentoring, performance opportunities, concert tickets and instrument loans.

Over 40,000 students and teachers from the Dallas/Fort Worth area attend the DSO's Youth Concerts each year! The Youth Concert series presents three programs each year to children in grades 3-6 (two programs) and grades PK-2 (one program).