Youth Programs

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to educating audiences of all ages. We have a vibrant program for young people that begins in the schools and continues in the concert hall.

Music Muscle Program
Click on a title below to download the PDF and learn more about the Music Muscle Program.

Music Muscle Program Cover (PDF) 

Music Muscle Program Letter & Table of Contents (PDF) 

Music Muscle Program Part 1 (PDF) 

Music Muscle Program Part 2 (PDF) 

Music Muscle Program Part 3 (PDF) 
 

Step-by-Step Education
Each year, ISO Assistant Conductor Richard Haglund presents the highly acclaimed Step-by-Step program in grades K-8. In 2008-09, 2,277 students participated in Springfield, Bloomington, Normal, Petersburg, and El Paso.

• In Step 1, Maestro Haglund plays several instruments to demonstrate the physics of air vibrating to produce sound, discusses rhythm, and leads the students in conducting exercises to learn about dynamic contrasts such as loud/soft, fast/slow.
• In Step 2, a Youth Symphony ensemble visits each school. The young musicians demonstrate how string instruments work. This is also an opportunity to show younger students what other older students can achieve musically, giving them inspiration and role models for their own musical aspirations.
• In Step 3, students from the program attend the Illinois Symphony’s Education Program in the concert hall.
• Many educational goals are met, including the ability to see and hear instruments up close; the integration of history, math, physics and language with music in the teaching curriculum; learning concert etiquette and the art of listening; and seeing a live demonstration of the teamwork required to perform as an orchestra.

Education Concert Performances
Each Spring, the Illinois Symphony led by Music Director Karen Deal presents a unique program created for students and learning. This year’s program is called “Muscle Music” and features pianist Leon Bates. He and the orchestra will play the music of Beethoven. These concerts for grades K-6 typically serve 6,000 students each year. Teachers of all students who sign up to attend the Education Programs will receive a workbook produced by the ISO to help them prepare students to understand and recognize the music that will be heard at the concert.

If you would like to invite the Step by Step program to your school, or bring your class to the Concert Hall for a special concert, please contact Richard Haglund in the Symphony Offices,  800-401-7222.