Welcome!

The NHSO is for YOU! Whether you’re new to orchestral music or a life-long aficionado, the NHSO has an education or community engagement program for you. From our thrilling Young People’s Concerts to Prelude pre-concert discussions to special partnerships in the community, over 30,000 people across Connecticut will join us for our 76th year producing exciting education programs. How about you?!

Sincerely,
Steve Collins, Education Director

2007-08 Young Artists Concerto Competition

The NHSO Young Artists Concerto Competition is an opportunity for gifted Connecticut music students to audition for a panel of professional musicians and potentially perform with the NHSO. The goal of the competition is to foster, encourage, and reward exceptional, young musical talent in Connecticut and promote excellence in the performing arts. Click here for more info and an application form

Young People's Concerts
Whiz Kids 2008!
76th Year!

Join the NHSO in celebrating the music of child composers, music about famous youth, and, most impressively, music performed by winners of the 2008 Young Artists Concerto Competition. Connecticut’s most talented youth will join NHSO Associate Conductor Jerry Steichen to lead the orchestra in a program of orchestral favorites.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008; 9:30 & 11:30am, Woolsey Hall, New Haven
Wednesday, April 2, 2008; 9:30 & 11:30am, Naugatuck Valley Venue
Thursday, April 3, 2008; 9:30 & 11:30am, Fairfield Warde High School, Fairfield
Friday, April 4, 2008; 10:15am & 12:00pm, Hyde Cultural Center, Woodstock

Each exhilarating 50-minute concert is designed for students in grades 2-8 and is supported by a curriculum guide and recording of the compositions. Tickets are just $5 each but space is limited, so contact Steve to make your reservation now!

Supported in part by a generous grant from Hank and Nancy Bartels.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT
NEW!

You may be familiar with the incredible musical talents of the NHSO musicians but what other talents do our musicians have? Do we have any equestrians, lawyers, chefs, sports fanatics, welders or carpenters in our ranks? What would candid photos of these people look like? Come find out by exploring the NHSO Photography Project. Concerts, exhibits and school activities are all part of the mix. Stay tuned for more details.

SCHOOL NIGHT AT THE SYMPHONY

The NHSO is offering FREE tickets to grade 1-12 students, faculty and staff (and their families) to a concert featuring violinist Ani Kavafian and Dvorak’s masterpiece, “New World Symphony”. Reservations are required and space is limited, so please contact Steve at the NHSO right away! (203) 865-0831 x13. This offer does not apply to previously purchased tickets.

Influences: Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 7:30pm; Woolsey Hall

NHSO Back To School
Open your school's doors to an interactive trio performance, mentor musician coaches or even the maestro himself as the NHSO goes back to school. More Info

“The interaction between the students and orchestra musicians was phenomenal.” - Donna Doherty, Assistant Principal, St. Mary-St. Michael School

New!

Rhythm Around the World
Three NHSO musicians take students K-8 on an imaginary musical expedition around the globe. Students will learn about symphonic instruments and gain exposure to music from diverse cultures including Kenya, Ireland, Romania, Argentina and more!

The Marvelous Musical Mind
What is music? Why do people all over the world enjoy it so much? The Marvelous Musical Mind takes students K-4 on an exploratory journey into the musical mind within each one of us. Students discover how music can communicate ideas, express emotions and inspire the imagination. Emphasis is placed on creativity, teamwork and critical listening with a healthy dose of audience participation.

“There have been few performances at our school that generated as much delight and wonder as yours.”

Doug Brown, A.C.E.S. Village School

NHSO Up-Close
NHSO musicians share their unique talents and perspectives on the music industry with groups of motivated students. Perfect as an add-on following ensemble performances, topics include but are not limited to: career investigation discussions, further exploration of ensemble concepts, mini-recitals, instrument discovery sessions and music making for non-musicians. Special topics and collaborations are welcome, including interdisciplinary workshops with academic subjects.

Instrument Discovery Zone
What are these orchestral instruments and what does it take to play them? Students are able to touch, toot, tickle and maybe even tease a tune out of several orchestral instruments. Nothing peaks the curiosity like an opportunity to make a little music, and who knows, maybe there are a few budding virtuosos in our midst!

We are always accepting instrument donations for use in the Discovery Zones, so contact Steve to donate an old or unused instrument.

Mentor Musicians NHSO musicians provide expert instruction to small groups of aspiring musicians or dedicated individuals. Technical and artistic advice is available to students of all ages and skill levels. Additional support is available through Side-by-Side programs where NHSO coaches sit-in with student ensembles and perform together.

Maestro on the Move NHSO Music Director William Boughton has traveled the globe guest conducting in Asia, Russia, South America, and all over the U.S. and Europe, why not book him in your school or arts organization this year? Maestro Boughton will be touring Connecticut throughout the school year guest conducting orchestras and bands at advanced levels.

Special Partnerships
Some of our most intellectually rewarding and stimulating results are from special partnerships. Take advantage of this year’s offerings or contact Steve with new and exciting ideas.

Family FunDay at the YCBA
Hearing what you see! Join NHSO musicians on an interactive musical tour of the Yale Center for British Art. See and hear how paintings and sculpture relate to elements of music. For ages 6-10, no registration is required, everyone will participate in the music making, and IT’S FREE! Programs take place on Sunday, December 2, 2008, 2-3pm and a spring date to be determined.

Natural Rhythms
Partnering with the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, Natural Rhythms is a series of workshops exploring not-so-obvious relationships between nature and music. Each hands-on learning experience features musicians, a naturalist and field specimens such as fossils, feathers and even Igor the owl. Workshops are scheduled throughout the school year on Sundays 2-4pm. Click here for Brochure

“It made me dance so it must have been good!” - Courtney, Grade 6

Supporting Partners:
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
William Caspar Graustein Memorial Funds

Creating Musical Readers
What could be better for Connecticut’s youngest students than a Saturday afternoon of storytelling and music by an engaging, expressive musician at the Connecticut Children’s Museum? Stories and music will work together to tell a tale and illuminate the imaginary worlds that await the avid reader. Contact Steve for details.

With the support of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism

NHSO Outreach Services

Showcase of Young Artists
Students perform for audiences before NHSO Symphony Series and Pops concerts 45 minutes prior to concert time. Singers, instrumentalists and dancers are welcome! Let us know if your group would like to perform in Woolsey Hall or Shubert Theater.

Preludes:
Join Maestro Boughton or a guest speaker to hear insights about the music. Preludes begin one hour before each of the Symphony Series concerts. These engaging, half hour interludes are convenient, enlightening, and free!

Preludes for September through February Symphony Series concerts are at the Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale, located at 80 Wall Street.

Preludes for the March and May Symphony Series concerts are at the President’s Room, located on the second floor of Woolsey Hall.

Excellence in Music Teaching Award
Each year the NHSO honors Connecticut music teachers for extraordinary achievements in music education. Winners are presented at our Teacher’s Night Out on May 1, 2008. Would you like to nominate an exemplary music teacher? Is so, we would like to hear from you!

Special Ticket Pricing
Student rush tickets are available one hour prior to concert time for all symphony series and pops concerts. In addition, special group rates are available for educational institutions. Contact Steve for details.

For more information, contact Stephen Collins, NHSO Education Director at (203) 865-0831 Ext.13 or click here to email.