OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 17, 2025) – The Ocala Symphony Orchestra Music Conservatory is proud to announce the return of Symphony for Schools, a dynamic outreach program that takes professional musicians into Marion County school for musical presentations that help students learn about the orchestra and hear instrument demonstrations.
Thanks to the generous support of Marion County Community Services through the Community Development Block Grant program, we are bringing live performances and educational workshops to Marion County Public Schools, particularly those schools in rural, underserved parts of the county. Students can also bring information home to their families about opportunities to come to the Reilly Arts Center to see the Ocala Symphony Orchestra prepare for a concert weekend, at our FREE open rehearsals. They can also learn about music lessons and camp opportunities available at the Community Music Conservatory, including scholarships available to students with financial need.
“Our program creates access points to music education where none exist. By bringing orchestral music out to schools, opening our doors to the public, offering free events, and providing scholarships, we bypass the barriers many students in our community face to experiencing the power of live musical performance and affording music education” shared Natalie McComb, executive director.
This revived initiative is already making an impact. So far this semester, the program has visited five schools, with plans to reach many more throughout the remainder of the year.
Program Objectives:
Inspire young students to discover the joy of music.
Foster a lifelong appreciation for orchestral instruments.
Promote music education and accessibility in underserved communities.
Program Activities:
Classroom visits: Musicians will visit elementary schools to demonstrate various orchestral instruments and perform short pieces.
Instrument demonstrations: Musicians will explain the history, construction, and playing techniques of each instrument.
Musical performances: Musicians will perform classical and contemporary pieces to showcase the versatility of orchestral music.
Symphony for Schools will enhance student curiosity, build excitement, and foster a love of music.
About the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Music Conservatory
The Community Music Conservatory, located at the Reilly Arts Center, features multiple teaching studios, professional staff and faculty, and performance spaces that include the 700-seat mainstage auditorium and NOMA Black Box. Conservatory programming includes group classes and private instruction designed for students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. The Conservatory, which launched programming in Spring 2022, is managed by the team at the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and is committed to fostering an environment of creativity, life-long learning, and quality instruction.
