Schools & Teachers
Click here to download the 2008-2009 Education Brochure (PDF).
Artists in Residence
Education Ensembles
Lollipops Concerts
Third Grade Concerts
Fifth Grade Concerts
Nooks & Crannies Tour
Student Passport
Side by Side Concerts
Young, Gifted and Black Scholarship
The Grand Rapids Symphony is dedicated to providing exceptional opportunities for school groups to explore the world of classical music though performances at DeVos Performing Hall, in their schools as well as in venues in and around the Grand Rapids area. Click on the following links to discover the variety of learning opportunities available for your school.
AIR: Artists In Residence [K-6th]
Grand Rapids Public Schools - Sponsored by Porter Foundation
Buchanan Elementary - Sponsored by Butterball Farms' CARE Committee
In recognition of the challenges faced by school music programs, the Grand Rapids Symphony has developed the Artists In Residence (AIR) program to help supplement the shrinking resources for music in the school systems.
Schools are selected by application for a two-year partnership with the GRS. For new schools accepted in to the program, the partnership is provided free of charge. Partner schools may return following the first two years for a fee of $1000 per year.
As an AIR partner school, students experience the Symphony on three levels: attending live orchestra concerts, meeting musicians through one-on-one interactions in the classroom, and participating in hands-on discovery programs and instrument encounters.
Kindergarten – 2nd grade: Students attend the Lollipop Concerts free of charge, which are held in venues in the greater Grand Rapids area. These fun-filled concerts, programmed especially for children in this age group, not only feature the GRS, but include performances by the Grand Rapids Ballet and more!
3rd Grade: What does a car’s break drum, a piano and a xylophone all have in common? They all can be found in the percussion section of the orchestra! Third Graders have the unique opportunity to meet with GRS Principal Percussionist Bill Vits to explore the sometimes crazy goings-on in the back of the orchestra in the percussion section!
4th Grade: Just as students are getting ready to select an instrument to play in their school ensemble, these instrument discovery opportunities give students a chance to hear the instruments of the orchestra played up-close and personal and to try them out for themselves under the guidance of GRS musicians.
5th Grade: Fifth Grade students attend a performance programmed especially for them! Students are introduced to the instrument families, the role of the conductor and music from significant historical periods – one lucky student even gets to conduct! Students also work with their art teachers to provide art to accompany a specific piece on the concert. Student art work is selected and projected at the concert.
6th Grade: Sixth Grade students are treated to a special behind-the-scenes look at DeVos Hall with the Nooks and Crannies tours. Students learn fun facts about the hall, what it's like to sit on stage, and meet John Varineau, Associate Conductor, to ask all the questions they’ve wanted to ask about being a professional musician, conductor and playing the orchestra!
Additionally, small ensembles of musicians from the GRS visit each school to provide students with the opportunity to hear the instruments of the orchestra up-close, and to meet musicians in a more intimate setting.
The application process for the 2008-2010 program cycle has been completed. Applications for the 2010-2012 cycle will begin in the fall 2009.
AIR Partners for the 2008-2010 Cycle:
Current AIR Partners can download the 2008-09 In-school ensemble schedule here!
Education Ensembles [K-6th]
Small ensembles are available for school visits to provide students with the opportunity to hear the instruments of the orchestra up-close and to meet musicians in a more intimate setting. Symphony ensembles perform 30 to 40 minute presentations for a maximum audience size of 125. Two performances may be booked for one fee. Fees range from $250-$700 per ensemble. To arrange for an ensemble, please contact Claire Van Brandeghen, Director of Education, at 616/454-9451 ext. 128.
Current Education Ensembles
Super Nova Quintet – Super Nova uses music as pictures for imaginative adventure-storytelling. Students experience the ensemble’s hilarious exploits during a vacation gone awry.
Pernambuco Quartet – Explore the world of Princess Viola as she ventures throughout her kingdom. The importance of teamwork is stressed as characters work together to create music and solve problems.
Tertullian Trio – Find out how music manages to do so much! Students will be immersed in a world of musical concepts including pitch, dynamics, tempo and more!
Calder Quintet – Is there musical life after Beethoven? Enjoy the diversity of our musical heritage as this string quartet performs non-traditional repertoire from different countries.
Wünderwind Quintet – This wind quintet combines storytelling and instrument demonstrations in a high-energy, fast-paced program your students are sure to love!
GRS Brass Quintet – “It’s all about the sound!” Learn how dozens of feet of brass tubing, a tiny mouthpiece and a big bell are combined to create sound and produce the beautiful music heard from the Brass family.
Beyond Classical – Funky rhythms, fast fiddling – no, wait that’s not Classical–or is it? Discover that Classical music isn’t far removed from modern music with this zany quintet of horn, violin, cello, keyboard and percussion.
Instrument and String Discoveries – Just as students are getting ready to select an instrument to play in their school ensemble, these instrument discovery opportunities give your students a chance to hear the instruments of the orchestra played up-close and personal and to try them out for themselves under the guidance of GRSmusicians.
Program content is subject to change without notice.
Lollipop Concerts [Preschool – 2nd (ages 4-7)]
These thematic chamber orchestra concerts are programmed for children from preschool through second grade to offer a first exposure to a live symphony orchestra. Concerts are approximately 45 minutes in length and are presented throughout the greater Grand Rapids area. Tickets are $5 for students and adults; one complimentary adult ticket is provided with the purchase of five student tickets, and a minium purchase of 10 student tickets. Advance reservations are necessary. Tickets/reservations will not be available at the door.
The following dates and times are reserved for school groups only.
Little Red Riding Hood
featuring the Grand Rapids Ballet Company
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
9:30* and 10:45 a.m.
Zeeland East High School, DeWitt Auditorium
*The 9:30 performance is SOLD OUT!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Sunshine Community Church
Thursday, January 22, 2009
9:30 and 10:45 a.m.
Sunshine Community Church
Friday, January 23, 2009
9:30 and 10:45 a.m.
Sunshine Community Church
Green Eggs and Ham
Featuring a musical version of the Dr. Seuss classic!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
9:30* and 10:45 a.m.
Sunshine Community Church
*Limited availability for the 9:30 a.m. performance.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
9:30 and 10:45 a.m.
Sunshine Community Church
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
9:30 and 10:45 a.m.
Zeeland East High School, DeWitt Auditorium
Please add me to your mailing list for educational performances and activities.
Third Grade Concerts (age 8)
Third Graders have the unique opportunity to meet with GRS Principal Percussionist Bill Vits to explore percussion instruments from around the world in a fun and interactive concert. The Third Grade Concerts last approximately 45 minutes and are available for $4 per person. Advance reservations are necessary.
Maximize your transportation dollars and get two outstanding experiences in one!
Once again, Celebration Cinema! North will be offering the IMAX film Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey in conjunction with the Third Grade Concerts. This high-energy, around-the-world tour of rhythm and music is a favorite of students and teachers alike. The film lasts approximately 45 minutes. Show times are 11:00 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. each day. To order tickets for Pulse, contact Celebration Cinema North's IMAX Theater at 1.866.298.IMAX (4629). Space is limited!
- Download an Order Form to make a reservation.
Third Grade Concerts
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
9:30* and 10:45 a.m.
Celebration Cinema North (Knapp and E. Beltline)
*The 9:30 a.m. performance is SOLD OUT!.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
9:30* and 10:45 a.m.
Celebration Cinema North (Knapp and E. Beltline)
*The 9:30 a.m. performance is SOLD OUT!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
9:30* and 10:45 a.m.
Celebration Cinema North (Knapp and E. Beltline)
* The 9:30 a.m. performance is SOLD OUT!
Friday, November 14, 2008 - SOLD OUT!
9:30 and 10:45 a.m.
Celebration Cinema North (Knapp and E. Beltline)
*Both performances are SOLD OUT!
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Fifth Grade Concerts (age 10)
An annual favorite, the Fifth Grade Concerts feature the full Grand Rapids Symphony and introduce students to the instrument families as well as music from significant historical periods–one lucky student even gets to conduct the orchestra! Schools are also invited to submit student art work to incorporate visual arts to a pre-selected piece on the program (Stravinsky's Firebird Suite for 2009!). Select student art is projected above the orchestra at each concert. The Fifth Grade Concerts last approximately 50 minutes and are presented FREE to all schools and homeschool families! Advance reservations are necessary. For more information, download the Art Work Submission Guidelines and 2009 Program page below.
A complete curriculum guide and complimentary resource CD of the music will be mailed with your reservation confirmation.
The following dates and times are reserved for school groups and home school families only.
Fifth Grade Concerts
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
9:40 a.m. and 11:10 a.m.
DeVos Performance Hall
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
9:40 a.m. and 11:10 a.m.
DeVos Performance Hall
Thursday, February 26, 2009
9:40 a.m. and 11:10 a.m.
DeVos Performance Hall
Friday, February 27, 2009
9:40 a.m. and 11:10 a.m.
DeVos Performance Hall
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
9:40 a.m. and 11:10 a.m.
Central Wesleyan Church, Holland
Download Art Work Submission Guidelines.
Download 2009 Fifth Grade Concert Program.
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Nooks & Crannies Tour [6th – 12th (ages 11-17)]
Students are treated to a special behind-the-scenes look at DeVos Hall with the Nooks and Crannies tours. Students learn fun facts about the hall, what it’s like to sit on stage, and meet John Varineau, Associate Conductor, to ask all the questions they’ve wanted to ask about being a professional musician, conductor or playing in the orchestra! Tours are FREE and last approximately 50 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.
- Download an Order Form to make a reservation.
Nooks & Crannies Tour Schedule
September 30-October 3, 2008
Tour times: 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.
November 18-21, 2008
Tour times: 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.
April 15-17, 2009
Tour times: 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.
Student Passport [High School, College]
The Grand Rapids Symphony’s Student Passport Program gives students the opportunity to attend concerts included in the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical, Rising Stars and Edward Jones Coffee Classics series for only $5 per ticket. Register for the Student Passport online, or contact Jacalyn Huizenga at 616/454-9451 ext. 117.
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Side by Side Concerts [High School]
Inspiring young musicians is an important part of the Grand Rapids Symphony’s mission. With the Side by Side concerts, area High School orchestras have the unique opportunity to perform right along side the GRS on a concert at their school. Thanks to the generous support of the GRS donors, this opportunity is provided free of charge to host schools! A limited number of spaces are available each season. Interested orchestras should submit a letter of interest and a current recording of their orchestra no later than February 28, 2009 to be considered for concerts in the 2009-10 Season.
Letters & recordings can be submitted to:
Grand Rapids Symphony
Education Department
300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
2008-2009 Side by Side Partner Schools:
Allendale High School (Allendale PS)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.
Allendale High School
Caledonia High School (Caledonia PS)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.
Caledonia High School
Hudsonville High School (Hudsonville PS)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.
Location TBD
Holland High School (Holland PS)
Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.
Central Wesleyan Church, Holland
Young, Gifted and Black Scholarship
The Young, Gifted and Black (YGB) scholarship was designed to provide talented African-American students ages 12-17 with the opportunity to develop their musical skills and to immerse them in the world of classical music. Any African-American instrumental student ages 12-17 living in, or attending school in, Kent County is eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Scholarship recipients, called YGB Scholars, will receive completely subsidized lessons from a Grand Rapids Symphony musician. Additionally, YGB Scholars will have special opportunities to meet GRS guest artists, and perform on master classes and recitals as appropriate and available. YGB Scholars will also be considered for positions in the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, subject to approval by GRYS/CO staff.
The YGB Scholarship has been made possible through a gift from the Kellogg Foundation, which is managed by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and administered by the Grand Rapids Symphony.
The auditions for the 2008-09 class have been completed. Auditions for the 2009-2010 class will be held in May 2009.
To receive additional information or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Claire Van Brandeghen at the Grand Rapids Symphony office at 616/454-9451 ext. 128.
- Download Young, Gifted and Black Scholarship information and Application Form.
- Please add me to your mailing list for educational performances and activities.