The FSO enriches aspiring musicians of all ages with classical music through youth programs and partnerships. Throughout our concert season, we showcase the talents of the region’s best up-and-coming musicians through our Young Artist Competition (YAC) and the Side-by-Side program. The FSO also collaboratates with Frederick County Public Libraries, Music & Arts, and other organizations to increase and enhance free music education, facilitate academic achievement, and develop creative capacities for lifelong success.
The Young Artist Showcase is designed to highlight and nurture the finest musicians in middle and high school. The competition is open to all instruments, and registration is now open. The first and second rounds will take place in February and March 2018, respectively. Finalists will perform in the Winner's Circle Recital, where a Grand Prize Winner will be selected to perform a concerto during our Eloquent Elgar concert on May 5, 2018. He or she will receive a cash prize of $1,000, while the runner-up will receive $500, and three finalists will receive $100 each.
Our Side-by-Side Mentoring Program is designed for any qualified high school musician (16 years old and younger) to attend rehearsals and perform in during the concert season, as instrumentation allows. Students who audition successfully will be mentored by an established musician in their section. As part of our Side-by-Side initiative, students will experience:
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Symphony Storytime gives your child the chance to explore music through engaging performances. They'll experience books read aloud in selected Frederick County Public Libraries with live music performed by our chamber musicians. A musical instrument 'petting zoo' presented by Music & Arts follows each performance.
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Musical masterpieces come to life in these engaging performances by the FSO's Chamber Ensemble. Featuring excerpts from classical greats, this narrated concert series serves as an ideal introduction to classical music, especially for students who are curious about playing an instrument.
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We offer free classes that engage your preschooler's natural love of songs, instruments, movement, and imaginative play with activities that introduce early music concepts in small groups. Music Makers Jr. classes are also available for elementary school students. To find the next music program event near you, click below.