Adults / Youth Orchestra / Arts Partners / Guild / Teachers

More Than Music - The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Educational Outreach Programs

As the foremost arts organization in the state, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra understands that it is our responsibility to help shape the future of our children. An essential component in the ASO's mission is to encourage music education and strengthen ties with the communities of Arkansas.

ASO Arts Partners

The ASO Arts Partner string quartets perform "demos" for elementary school children ages 3rd grade and up. These theme-based demos from 30-45 minutes teach basic musical ideas that enhance and augment Arkansas’ music curriculum framework. Children learn to identify connections between music and the other arts, music from various periods, composers and cultures, and learn first hand about the basic elements of music: tempo, dynamics, pitch and rhythm.

Demo Themes for the 2007/2008 Schoolyear

"Story Time"

Music, like all stories, has a beginning, middle, and an end. What does music make you think of, and how does it make you feel? Make up your own story with a person, setting, and action that goes along with the music!

"Lines and Dots"

Have you ever wondered how the musicians in an orchestra all know what to play at the right time? The quartet will help you learn how notes and rhythm are written down in the language of music.

"Mozart- The Man Behind the Music"

Have you ever made up your own song? How about a whole opera? That’s exactly what Mozart did when he was a little kid- he wrote his first Symphony at the age of 8! Learn more about the boy who grew up to change classical music forever.

"Music Through the Ages"

You probably like different music than your parents. And guess what? They probably like different music than your grandparents, too! Learn how events in history and the ways people live make music different as time goes by.

For more information, contact Crystal Wallis at personnelaso@arkansassymphony.org, or 501-666-1761 ext. 118.

Hands On

Children can touch and play real stringed instruments with guidance from the Arts Partners. Petting Zoos can be individual presentations or done in conjunction with the demos. The Petting Zoo is a fantastic way for a child to experience what it is like to be a musician. In most cases, this is the first opportunity a child has had to see, touch and play these instruments.

Cost for school demos is kept to an absolute minimum allowing the ASO to reach out with the arts to underserved and unserved communities.

30 minute Demo in Pulaski County - $65.00

30 minute demo outside of Pulaski County - $85.00 (plus mileage)

Mileage for 2007-2008 - $0.30 per mile

15 minute Petting Zoo - $25

String Teaching

The ASO is particularly proud of our partnerships with schools in the Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pulaski County, Cabot and Hot Springs School districts establishing a resident string instructor in an after-school program one day a week. Students learn the basics of playing a stringed instrument and reading music and perform in a spring recital at the end of the school year. Classes taught are focused on violin, viola, cello and double bass.

With balanced class sizes, high-level instruction and inexpensive instrument rentals the ASO String Residencies have been among the most popular with schools and students alike.

Programs for High School and Civic Groups

Bring the Arts Partners or the Quapaw Quartet to your high school or commuity group. A quartet alone, or in combination with other quartets, can perform for larger audiences in a chamber recital or an informance (a more interactive presentation designed to be appealing to older students and adults). These small ensembles of the ASO are in demand throughout the state and are eager to introduce the magic of classical music to all Arkansans.

The ASO is very proud of our specifically tailored residencies (a multi-visit program). We can help you design a residency in a manner that is appropriate to your group’s learning environment and background.

Student Rush Ticket Program

Providing the most valuable enhancement to every student’s musical education, the ASO offers $6 tickets to any Masterworks or Chamber concert to any student presenting proper identification. These seats are, many times, the best seats in the house!