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Programs

For more information about any of the following educational programs, contact:

education@marylandsymphony.org


MSO Side-by-Side Program

The "Side-by-Side" program by the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is an opportunity for both MSO musicians and young talents to collaborate. In this program, students sit alongside experienced musicians during rehearsals and a dedicated concert. They all play the same musical pieces, follow the conductor's guidance, and work together to create beautiful music. The highlight of this experience is the Side-by-Side concert, where the collective effort is showcased, demonstrating how well they can create music as a unified team.

Beyond the technical aspects of playing instruments, the program emphasizes mentorship and a comprehensive learning experience that goes beyond the rehearsals. It's a musical community where professional musicians offer guidance and support to the younger ones. The concert becomes a platform to witness the harmonious blend of musicians, illustrating the power of collaboration and a shared passion for music. The Maryland Symphony Orchestra not only focuses on playing instruments skillfully but also on fostering growth in new musicians and building a community united by their love for creating music together.

Registration for students to participate in the 2024 Side-by-Side experience is now closed.

Save the Date!

MSO Side-by-Side Concert 2024
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | 7:00 PM


Storytime at the Library

Discover the Magic of Storytime with a Symphony!

Join us each month at the Washington County Free Library in Hagerstown, where a captivating book pairs with a fresh musical score performed by a Maryland Symphony Orchestra musician. Experience the fusion of storytelling and live music, as every page comes to life with enchanting melodies, creating an unforgettable experience for all ages. Immerse yourself in the magic of Storytime with a Symphony, celebrating the beauty of literature and the power of music in a single, harmonious event. Don't miss out—let your imagination soar with us! All of our storytime programs are FREE and open to the public.

Friday, April 19, 2024 | 11:00am
"Something Wild" by Molly Rutan

Featuring Joanna Owen, Associate Concertmaster

Friday, May 31, 2024 | 11:00am
"88 Instruments" by Chris Barton

Featuring Tony Nalker, Piano


Lecture Series

Join Us for a Symphony of Knowledge and Music!

Experience the Maryland Symphony Orchestra's captivating lecture series, a remarkable journey into the heart of classical music. Immerse yourself in the lives of renowned composers and the timeless melodies that have shaped the world. From the genius of Berlioz to the enchantment of Mendelssohn, our series offers a unique opportunity to explore the stories behind the scores. Engage with expert musicians and guest speakers who will unravel the mysteries of these masterpieces, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the magic of orchestral music. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, our lecture series promises to inspire, educate, and ignite your passion for the world of classical music. Don't miss this chance to discover the secrets behind the symphonies!

Tracing the Musical Journey of Women Through History
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 | 6:00 PM
Bulls & Bears Restaurant & Pub
Presenter: Dr. Laurie McManus
Sponsor: Carl & Louise Galligan
RSVP Online by Clicking Here

Striking the Right Chord: Music’s Power to Heal
Sunday, April 21, 2024 | 2:00 PM
The Maryland Theatre Ballroom
Presenter: Karen Agro
Sponsor: Potomac Community Services
RSVP Online by Clicking Here


Kinder Konzerts

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s Kinder Konzert program is designed to introduce children in Pre-K through First Grade to a full spectrum of musical concepts. Through this program students learn about the fundamentals of music including dynamics, rhythm, melody, and harmony, and the various instruments and how they work together to create music.

There are three performances held on each date and each performance lasts approximately 30 minutes. Times are 9:45 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:15 PM. All performances are held at the Kepler Theatre at Hagerstown Community College. These performances primarily serve organized school and youth groups.

Schools may now register for these programs by CLICKING HERE.

Upcoming Kinder Konzerts:

  • March 7, 2024 | Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Jazz Ensemble
  • April 4, 2024 | Brass Menagerie

Symphony Saturdays

Symphony Saturdays is a FREE four-week program that provides students (Grades First through Third) the opportunity to learn about the instrument families of an orchestra through both performances and interactive participation (instrument petting zoo). Each week features a different instrument family (strings, percussion, woodwinds, and brass).

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

We offer two sessions every Saturday (9:30 AM and 10:45 AM)

  • Saturday, February 3, 2024 - Strings
  • Saturday, February 10, 2024 - Percussion
  • Saturday, February 17, 2024 - Brass
  • Saturday, February 24, 2024 - Woodwinds

Ensembles in the Schools

This program offers every first, second and third grade student the opportunity to participate in a series of three interactive assembly presentations about orchestral music. MSO musicians introduce students to instrument families, basic musical concepts, and familiar songs and great classical compositions to improve their musical awareness.


MSO LinkUp Youth Concerts

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra Youth Concerts are held each spring at the Maryland Theatre. We utilize the LinkUp program through Carnegie Hall, which gives students grades 3-5 the opportunity to join the orchestra in a participatory program in which they learn to sing and/or play an instrument in the classroom and perform with the MSO from the audience.

Concerts are scheduled for May 1, 2024, and May 2, 2024, at 9:30 AM and 12:00 PM.

Schools may now register for this program by CLICKING HERE.


Student Musician of the Month

Sponsored by Antietam Broadband

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra invites you to nominate an outstanding high school student as our Student Musician of the Month! Every month of the season, a student is featured in an Antietam Broadband cable segment, recognized in our virtual concert program, and receives a certificate of excellence on stage at an MSO concert.

Recommendations may come from teachers/school administrators and private instructors. To nominate a student (grades 9 – 12), please complete and submit the following form: CLICK HERE

How to submit your nomination form:

OPTION 1: Postal Mail

Maryland Symphony Orchestra
c/o Student Musician of the Month
21 S Potomac St, Second Fl
Hagerstown, MD 21740

OPTION 2: Email

Please send to:
education@marylandsymphony.org


Maryland Symphony Orchestra Scholarship Program

The Bennett Rubin Memorial Scholarship Fund is available to students – grades 6 through 12 – seeking assistance with the cost of summer musical experiences. The selected student(s) will receive an award of up to $500 to assist with the cost of summer musical experiences such as private instruction and/or music camps and intensives.

The MSO Education committee will review the eligibility of each applicant and determine recipients based upon the MSO Education requirements set forth. The Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s Bennett Rubin Memorial Scholarship Fund is made possible through a grant from the Hagerstown Rotary Club Contributions Committee and contributions invested in Loving Memory of Mr. Bennett S. Rubin, a Past-President of the MSO Board of Directors, by his late wife Mrs. Geraldine Rubin and by The Maryland Symphony Orchestra Guild.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Scholarship awards are subject to the availability of funds in the MSO Music Scholarship Fund. The MSO Education committee does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, creed, sexual orientation, color, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability in its awarding of this scholarship.