Celebrate your young string and band players through MSO Festival Strings Program! This collaborative program with public school music educators provides high-quality musical experiences for students and opportunities for professional development for teachers.
Students rehearse in county-based and combined ensembles with guest conductors and MSO musicians. Participating educators may earn optional MSDE credit by attending. Grounded in the belief that excellence exists at every ability level, the Festival program is based on teacher recommendation rather than auditions to expand access, support student growth, and retention.
Festival Program Offerings
Serving Frederick and Washington Counties, this program is free but requires registration through school music teachers or private lesson teachers.
Registration for the 2026 program has concluded. Registration for the 2027 program will open in November.
Festival Strings
String Ensemble
This group serves students in grades 6-8 who play Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass. The music selection for this group focuses on pieces that will grow enthusiasm for playing string instruments and help students learn.
Sinfonietta
This group serves students in grades 9-10 who play Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass instruments. The music selection for this group is slightly more advanced than those in Strings 1. To assist with orchestra balance or accommodate more advanced young players, 8th graders can be moved to Strings 2 at staff or teacher recommendation.
Festival Winds
Wind Ensemble
This brand new offering gives winds and brass students in grades 6-8 the opportunity to work with MSO musicians at sectional rehearsals, meet band students across the county, and perform in a culminating concert at the Maryland Theatre.