Learning & Community

Learning & Community

James C. Armstrong Youth Education Endowment

The James C. Armstrong Youth Education Initiatives of the Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) are cleverly designed to engage students in grades Pre-K to 12 with symphonic music through programming that is relevant, innovative, cross-curricular and meaningful. Each year, 25,000+ Austin-area youth of diverse backgrounds experience the artistry and wonder of our 80+ professional musicians, outreach ensembles and world-class orchestra. This unique level of access is generously supported by national and local funders as well as individual donors. ASO staff and musicians work closely with educators and school administrators in several local counties and public school districts to customize our thematic, interdisciplinary curriculum. Through this distinctive suite of vertically aligned programming, students are exposed to symphonic music performed at the highest level and encouraged to make their own experiences with the fine arts, opening doors to a rich treasure trove of lifelong benefits and enjoyment.

Additional support for ASO Education and Community Engagement Initiatives has been generously provided by: Applied Materials, Leigh and Russell Arnold, Bank of America, Benchmark Bank, Katherine & Johannes Brinkmann, Marvin Brittman, Eldarose Cardenas, Elizabeth L. and Russell F. Hallberg Foundation, H-E-B, Junior League of Austin, The Georgia B. Lucas Fund of the Austin Community Foundation, Lurleen & Dan Ladd, Mihaylo Family Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, PNC Bank Foundation, The Rea Charitable Trust, Reagan and Lauren Reaud, Texas Commission On The Arts, Thrivent, Tres Grace Family Foundation, and Women’s Symphony League of Austin.

ASO "SYMPHONY STORIES" EPISODES

JAMES C. ARMSTRONG YOUTH EDUCATION INITIATIVES

building blocks in the schools

Building Blocks of the Orchestra

Our Building Blocks program gives pre-K – 3rd grade students their first up-close and personal introduction to instruments of the orchestra, laying a firm foundation for music appreciation.

Young People’s Concerts

Students grades 4-5 experience the magic and wonder of our full orchestra in performance at the Long Center through cross-curricular, multisensory programs designed just for them.

Beyond the Notes

Our full orchestra visits 4-5 high school campuses each year to perform a carefully-crafted, humanities-based program for students grades 9-12.

Connecting with Music

ASO Musician Teaching Artists partner with local educators to create cross-curricular, humanities-based learning experiences and mentoring opportunities designed to explore personal, historical, and cultural connections to symphonic music.

YOUTH AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Halloween Children’s Concert

Be captivated by a magical journey through family-friendly classics, inspired by witches, sorcerers, and enchanted creatures! This annual favorite promises to delight audiences of all ages with a bewitching lineup.

Tuneful Tales / Cuentos melódicos

If you’re looking for something cool, exciting, and FREE to do with your little ones this summer, join us for an interactive presentation of music and storytelling at your local Austin Public Library!

Student Group and Student Rush Tickets

The ASO invites school groups and individual students to enjoy live classical or pops music through special discount programs.

EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS

ASO Guest Artist Master Classes

The ASO is thrilled to provide access to a select set of our world-class guest artists through master class opportunities at which advanced local students are invited to participate.

Austin Youth Orchestra

The ASO is proud to be a partner of the Austin Youth Orchestra, which serves hundreds of local students grades 1-12 each year through direct participation in its various youth ensembles.

The Bancroft Initiative

The Bancroft Initiative is committed to expanding the reach of the ASO Masterworks Series to a broader cross-section of the Austin community.

COMMUNITY CONCERTS

H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks

More than 100,000 people gather at Vic Mathias Shores for the largest Independence Day celebration in Austin.

austin symphony orchestra concerts in the park

Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park

During select months of the year, our ASO chamber ensembles perform a Sunday series of free, family-friendly concerts at the Long Center’s Hartman Park.