Education & Community

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is pleased to present a number of educational and community activities for youth and families.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Step by Step
Step by Step is a multi-phase educational program designed to introduce elementary school students to the classical orchestral repertoire, culminating in a creative live performance in the concert hall.
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Education Concerts
Students are invited to attend performances in the concert hall with their school classes. Workbooks are available for teachers to prepare for this experience.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Pops in the Park
Free to the public, these annual pre-season outdoor community concerts provide an opportunity to thank each community for its support and to engage new audiences.
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State Fair
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra continues its annual tradition of performing on the main stage at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. Concert is free with admission to the Fair in August.
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Share the Music
Share the Music is a joint venture of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Pratt Music Foundation, and The Music Shoppe located in Normal. Share the Music accepts instrument donations (primarily violin, viola and cello); the Music Shoppe refurbishes them, and the Pratt Music Foundation loans them on a complimentary annual basis to music students in need. This iniitative is sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and the McLean County Arts Center.

ADULT EDUCATION

Concert Comments
Preceding each Symphony concert, Concert Comments provides valuable insights into the music and musicians which will perform that evening. These start at 7 p.m. in Springfield and 7.15 p.m. in Bloomington. 
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