Youth Symphony Orchestra, Youth String Ensemble, and Prelude Strings are training groups for this area's best young musicians. Organized in 1958, the Youth Orchestra is conducted by Kevin Price and showcases the talents of approximately 90 of the best high school musicians. The String Ensemble, in its twentieth season, is conducted by Dortha DeWit and features 50 string musicians in their February performance. Prelude Strings which is also conducted by Dortha DeWit is in its second year and consists of a group of more than 50 young string players.
Listening Olympics is in its 9th year. This program has been spearheaded by Dr. Eunice Boardman, a nationally recognized leader in music education. On March 26, 2010 QC area schools will send teams of 5th grade students to the Olympics. After months of preparation in their classrooms, the teams will compete on their listening skills and musical knowledge at this listening contest. Winning teams will receive bronze, silver, and gold medals and will be recognized at the Spring Youth Orchestra Concert on April 25, 2010.
School Outreach Tours promote the orchestra through education of future symphony musicians and patrons. The three touring ensembles will perform in January through April 2010 for 12,000-14,000 students in grades K-8 within a 35-mile radius of the Quad Cities. Brass Tour features the Iowa Brass Quintet performing an educational and exciting concert of music from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. String Tour debuted in 1959 and introduces children to music principles and instruments through innovative programming of familiar music. Woodwind Tour presents programs including a wide range of music with descriptions of instruments and playing techniques.
Symphony Day provides approximately 7,000 area in grades 4, 5, and 6 from 145 public, private, and home study classrooms with an excellent symphony experience. The Quad City Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform three concerts for the students at the Adler Theatre on Tuesday, April 13, 2010.
Hot Dog! We’re Going to the Symphony is a program offered to area junior high and high school music students during two of the QCSO's Masterworks series. On the Friday evening rehearsal, students arrive and observe the rehearsal, have a discussion with the conductor and the guest soloist, and then enjoy hot dogs, chips and soda afterwards.
Out Of The Music Box is an uniquely portable interactive program/exhibit that is used to introduce children to the symphony orchestra by providing hands-on-experience with symphonic instruments.
Instruments For Kids is a project that provides free musical instruments to Quad City children. This volunteer effort is led by high school students. This program collects used musical instruments from the community and distributes them to students in Quad City schools who have an interest in performing music but who are unable to purchase or rent appropriate instruments. For more information email instruments@QCSymphony.com.
