E D U C A T I O N  P R O G R A M

Orkidstra In-School Education
The Redlands Symphony Association's mission is to entertain, educate and enlighten listeners of all ages by presenting live performances at the highest artistic standard possible. As a representative of our community, the Symphony is a major cultural ambassador to the Inland Empire region. The Association strives to cooperate with other community organizations to enhance the musical environment of the area, and special attention is devoted to the initiation and cultivation of new generations of listeners. Consistent with this goal, the Redlands Symphony is committed to developing a comprehensive and meaningful educational outreach program.

Established in 1998, Orkidstra is designed to increase elementary school students' abilities to perceive and comprehend music and to use those perceptions and ideas in the appreciation of all styles of music, including symphonic music. A multicultural, community-oriented music education program, Orkidstra aims to reach every 4th and 5th grade student in the Redlands Unified School District, selected students in the Yucaipa/Calimesa Joint Unified School District, and students at some private schools. All in all, over 4,000 children in 14 schools will have the opportunity to participate in this program, absolutely free of charge. For most of these students, Orkidstra provides the only comprehensive and interactive music education experiences they will ever receive.

Each participating school receives specially prepared curriculum-based classroom lessons, as well as in-school ensemble performances. The program culminates in a field trip to the Redlands Symphony's home, the University of Redlands Memorial Chapel, where the children will hear a free orchestral concert. In addition, the Symphony provides teachers with curriculum training and resources to enhance students' music learning. This community-oriented music program is a collaborative effort between the Redlands Symphony, the Redlands Unified School District and other community/arts agencies. To find out more about how you can help bring the music to the children, please call the Symphony office for information.

Instrument Petting Zoo
Our Instrument Petting Zoo always follows our Family Concert. It is a wonderful opportunity for music lovers, young and old, to touch and play the real orchestral instruments used in all Symphony performances. For many kids, this is the only time they will ever get to play these instruments. Many children have actually decided to pursue studies in music based on their experience at our Instrument Petting Zoo. Come mingle with our musicians, and have some fun. To learn more about the instruments in an orchestra, please visit www.playmusic.org.

 Learn about instruments
in an orchestra

Family Concert
Every year the Redlands Symphony sponsors a Family Concert for the community. This season, the University of Redlands Orchestra will perform on Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 p.m. at the Memorial Chapel. Selections are always chosen with families in mind, with fun and exciting classical music for children of all ages! An Instrument Petting Zoo will follow the concert, giving music lovers, young and old, a chance to touch and play the real orchestral instruments used in the performance. Parents bring your kids, and kids bring your parents!


Music Appreciation Class
Music appreciation classes, sponsored by the Redlands Symphony Guild, are available on selected Thursday evenings rehersals during the concert season. They are usually held in Watchorn Hall on the University of Redlands campus.

These in-depth classes cover a variety of topics, and provide a wonderful context for the Symphony’s concerts. Please call 909-748-8018 for further information.