🎻 The Symphony Orchestra of Virginia Beach
- Get Involved
- Education
- …
- Get Involved
- Education
🎻 The Symphony Orchestra of Virginia Beach
- Get Involved
- Education
- …
- Get Involved
- Education
Educational Opportunities
Symphonicity’s three-fold mission centers around musical performances and music education.
Our Vision
In addition to its full orchestra performances at the Sandler Center, the orchestra's all-volunteer musicians seek opportunities to step off the stage to bring music to those unable to attend concerts in the traditional setting. Such places include hospitals, nursing homes, and senior residences like Sentara Leigh Hospital, Marian Manor, Concordia Nursing & Rehabilitation, Berger Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom and First Colonial Inn.
Symphonicity’s small ensemble program is also used as a collaborative tool for musical performances with other organizations including the Virginia Aquarium; Sandler Center Foundation; Pembroke Mall; Lynnhaven River Now; Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art; and events planned by the cities of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.Sharing music is part of Symphonicity's mission, but it is also important to support the advancement of music education. This is achieved through the “Instrument Petting Zoo” program; guest artist masterclasses; the Annual District Orchestra Preparatory Day; Classroom/Home audiovisual support; and the new Young Musicians Scholarship Program.
The Young Musician Scholarship Program
Many public and private school students learn the basic skills of their instrument from their orchestra or band teacher. As proficient as a teacher may be, it is difficult to tend to the needs of everyone and is best when a student receives one-on-one instruction privately. However, not every student has the means to pay for private instruction. The Young Musician Scholarship Program was designed to provide qualifying students (grades 5-12) private music instructions for one year. Although this program has yet to be implemented due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is a collaborative effort between Symphonicity, local music teachers, and Symphonicity’s Community Outreach and Education committee that has the potential to reach up to 30 students a year.
Instrument Petting Zoo
Symphonicity’s “Instrument Petting Zoo” program was originally created to spark musical interest among school-aged children at the annual Lollipop concert. In time, the "petting zoo" was taken to nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals where it is used to help foster deeper engagement and musical connections. The “Instrument Petting Zoo” has been used in a variety of locations including the An Achievable Dream Academy; the “Halloween Town and Treat” event at Virginia Beach’s Town Center; Pembroke Mall children's events; and for all pre-concert lobby activities at the Sandler Center.
Guest Artist Masterclass Series
Symphonicity's masterworks series showcases nationally and internationally acclaimed guest artists each season. As a way to support local music students and teachers, Symphonicity hosts masterclasses to provide learning opportunities from some of the most successful musicians in the world. Most of the masterclasses are free and open to the public.
Annual Senior Regional Symphony Prepartory Day
The Annual Senior Regional Symphony Preparatory Day was created in 2010 to help support local high school string players interested in auditioning for Regional Orchestra. Each year Symphonicity musicians come alongside auditioning students to provide pointers and drills that will strengthen their sight reading skills and fine-tune performance pieces.
Classroom & Home Audio/Visual Support
COVID-19 had had a particular impact on area music students and teachers in regards to individual and classroom instruction. Many of these teachers are Symphonicity musicians whose knowledge and insight have been invaluable. With their help, Symphonicity has been able to produce meaningful educational and instructional videos for students and teachers that can be used at home or in the classroom. They are free and easily accessible on Symphonicity’s YouTube Channel and on a newly launched Outreach & Education page on our website.