Knoxville Symphony Orchestra www.knoxvillesymphony.com
The mission of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is to develop and sustain a symphony orchestra of the highest artistic standards and to reach East Tennessee audiences of all ages by providing excellence in musical performance and education programs. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra consists of 60 professional musicians and performs 300 programs each season. Young People’s Concerts are designed for grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th and Very Young People’s Concerts are designed for K-2nd grade. Concerts offer an introduction to orchestral music, instruments, and include guest artists, exciting visual elements, and student participation. Curriculum materials and lesson plans are provided for participating schools. Check out our website for our 2024-25 Season Concerts!
Contact Krista Lee at klee@knoxvillesymphony.com
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
Date: October 30 and 31, 2024 – Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Date: November 7, 2024: Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Program Description: Because: A Symphony of Serendipity by Jessie Montgomery
Students will discover Mo Willems’ delightful story of opportunity and goals as the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra brings this moving book to life, with a script by Mo Willems set to a score by Jessie Montgomery. This intriguing tale tells of how discovery and perseverance influences the main character’s life goals of becoming an aspiring conductor and composer. KSO’s Music Director, Aram Demirjian, will guide the young audience members as they discover the dynamic connections between music, literature, and the power behind a single word.
-Imaginative program created for students enrolled in third, fourth, and fifth grade (3rd, 4th & 5th Grade)
-Forty-five-minute concert packed with age appropriate educational content and audience participation
-Narration and exciting visual elements, including video projections, props, costumes, and guest artists
-Participating schools will receive a Teacher’s Guide for student preparation prior to attending the concert that containing lessons and ideas in Language Arts and Music Education that will support Tennessee State Standards
-Available to all public schools, private schools, and homeschool co-ops across East Tennessee
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
Date: February 27, 2025: Clayton Center for the Arts: Maryville, Tennessee
Date: March 4, 2025: Tennessee Theatre: Knoxville, Tennessee
Performed as a “symphonic fairy tale” for all ages, this famous masterpiece was created to introduce young audiences to some of the instruments found within an orchestra. The story tells of the adventures of a child named Peter while bringing additional characters to life through representation of a corresponding instrument. KSO’s Music Director, Aram Demirjian, will guide the musicians and their instruments as the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra introduces children to classical music through four specific instrument families: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
-Imaginative program created for students enrolled in kindergarten, first, and second grade (K, 1st & 2nd Grade)
-Forty-five-minute concert packed with age appropriate educational content and audience participation
-Narration and exciting visual elements, including video projections, props, costumes, and guest artists
-Participating schools will receive a Teacher’s Guide for student preparation prior to attending the concert that will contain lessons and ideas in Language Arts and Music Education that will support Tennessee State Standards
-Available to all public schools, private schools, and homeschool co-ops across East Tennessee
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
The Firebird: A Symphonic Tale based on Russian folklore
February 27, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. – Clayton Center for the Arts
February 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. – Clayton Center for the Arts
March 4, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. – Tennessee Theatre
A famous folktale turned into a ballet, Igor Stravinsky created this musical masterpiece at the young age of 28 years old. The story tells of Prince Ivan who defeats the evil forces of a wizard named Kostchei through the use of powerful and enchanted feathers belonging to The Firebird. KSO Music Director Aram Demirjian and Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will introduce the audience to the literary elements of a story while listening to the dynamic musical themes of mystery, courage, and hope.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
