The Education and Outreach branch of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra
Learn about our new building project here!
At the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, we believe in the importance of music education and strive to nurture a love of music in children and the community. Music helps with math, science, coordination, creativity, languages, and cooperation.
CIVIC ORCHESTRAS Directed by Lynne Tobin
Celebrating their 20th Season! The Civic program welcomes non-professional string musicians of all ages and skill sets to join two community string orchestras — Sinfonia Strings and Prelude Strings. The ensembles meet weekly for rehearsals and free performances throughout the year. $150/semester, Tuesday evening rehearsals. Fall & Winter/Spring terms.
FALL CONCERT November 28 at 7 pm, First Congregational Church, Free. Learn more.
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES Directed by Gary Gatzke, Jr.
Presenting their 10th Season!! This program is for individuals who want to play in small ensembles, working on chamber music performing techniques as well as repertoire. Rehearsals focus on playing together in duos, trios, quartets, and larger groups, exploring different textures and sounds. $75/semester, Tuesday evening rehearsals, Fall & Winter/Spring terms.
FALL CONCERT November 30 at 7 pm, First Congregational Church, Free. Learn more.
ENCORE SYMPHONIC WINDS Directed by Dr. Timothy Topolewski
Beginning this Fall, the TSO will be the new home for the semi-professional Encore Symphonic Winds, led by Tim Topolewski. We are excited about the opportunities this will provide for adult musicians in the surrounding counties to perform at a very high level. Founded in 1989, Encore’s mission is to offer our community excellent music in an entertaining way through four seasonal concerts a year while providing quality experiences for the musicians, allowing them the opportunity to return their talents to the community. Learn more.
SUZUKI
The Suzuki Method of teaching and learning music is based upon the philosophy that renowned Japanese violin pedagogue Dr. Shinichi Suzuki discovered early in his professional career: Every Child Can. He realized that all children across the world learn to speak and communicate their native languages with ease, despite the difficulties of the language. He believed that music is learned in much the same way as language and that every child can thrive in a musical environment. Dr. Suzuki’s method has come to inspire and guide music instruction all over the world. Learn more about our brand new Traverse Symphony Suzuki School, led by TSO musicians.
MASTERWORKS IN MINIATURE
In Collaboration with the Traverse Area District Library
Held on weekends throughout the region, this new series will integrate storytelling with music and movement, aimed at children 5-12 and their families. Learn more.
TSO Tots@TADL
TSO Tots@TADL camily concerts are free to the public and feature performances by small ensembles of the professional Traverse Symphony Orchestra. Family Concerts introduce children ages 5 and under to the components that make up an orchestra, via kid friendly and engaging arts activities. Learn More.
TSO IN THE SCHOOLS
The TSO in the Schools program offers day-long instrument workshops focusing on woodwind, brass, string and percussion instruments. These workshops include master class instruction, ensemble performances, instrument care and maintenance, as well as instrument rental and purchase logistics hosted by local vendors. Workshop clinicians are musicians from the professional Traverse Symphony Orchestra as well as guest artists from throughout the state of Michigan. Learn more.
Traverse Symphony Community Education programs made possible in part by grants from the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, the Biederman Family Foundation, the Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundation, the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
