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 through 8th and Very Young People’s Concerts are designed for kindergarten through 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 2025-26 Season Concerts!
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
Title: Young People’s Concerts: Road Trip USA
Date: October 29 and 30, 2025 – Knoxville Civic Auditorium, Knoxville, Tennessee
Date: November 5, 2025 – Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greenville, Tennessee
Description: Buckle up for an unforgettable adventure with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra! With Maestro Aram Demirjian at the wheel, students will embark on a musical journey across the country visiting some of America’s most iconic sights and scenes. From the Liberty Bell to National Parks to the Hollywood sign, this performance brings the spirit of the USA to life as students discover dynamic connections between music, landscapes, and landmarks. Grab your maps and pack your imagination – this is one road trip you won’t want to miss!
Register here: https://knoxvillesymphony.com/education-community/young-peoples-concerts/
-Imaginative program created for students enrolled in third, fourth, and fifth grade (3rd, 4th & 5th grades).
-This program also welcomes students in grades sixth, seventh, and eighth to attend (6th, 7th & 8th grades).
-Forty-five-minute concert packed with age appropriate educational content and audience participation.
-Narration and exciting visual elements, including projections, props, costumes, and guest artists.
-Participating schools will receive a Teacher’s Guide for student preparation prior to attending the concert that contains lessons and ideas in Social Studies, Geography and Music Education that 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 25, 2026, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, Tennessee
Date: February 26, 2026, Clayton Center for the Arts, Maryville, Tennessee
Description: Join the KSO as we explore the creatures in our backyards through music in a magical introduction to the orchestra featuring Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev! This “symphonic fairy tale” brings characters to life through the unique sounds of orchestral instruments, telling the adventures of a young boy named Peter. As the tale unfolds, students will discover the four instrument families—strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion—and how they work together to bring a story to life through music. Guided by KSO’s Music Director, Aram Demirjian, this fun and engaging concert inspires curiosity about the music in nature and sparks a lifelong love of music.
Register here: https://knoxvillesymphony.com/education-community/very-young-peoples-concerts/
-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 contains lessons and ideas in Language Arts, Science, and Music Education that 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: October 2025-May2026
Location: Knox and surrounding counties
Description: The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra offers in-class programming for students of all ages. KSO chamber ensembles can be booked for two types of in-class presentations:
Musical Story Times – a program that brings children’s books to life through classical music selections and narration. During the stories, a KSO string quartet performs excerpts and sound effects that enhance the story line. For students in grades PreK-2.
More information/registration: https://knoxvillesymphony.com/education-community/musical-story-time/
Classroom Q – unique concert and Q&A experience by the KSO’s String Quartet, Woodwind Quintet, or Brass Quintet. For students in grades 3-12 and college/university.
More information/ registration: https://knoxvillesymphony.com/education-community/classroom-qs/
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
