Young People’s Concerts

What are young people's concerts?

Young People’s Concerts, or “YPCs” as we like to call them, are performed for area third through eighth grade students every fall and winter, reaching approximately 13,000 students and teachers each year. These 40-minute programs feature the full Wichita Symphony Orchestra and often utilize actors or dancers to illustrate the program. For many students, these fun and educational concerts are their first experience with live symphonic music!

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ROSA'S GARDEN: A VIRTUAL YOUNG PEOPLE'S CONCERT

An Apples & Arrows Production presented by the Wichita Symphony in partnership with Botanica, the Wichita Gardens

 

Join Rosa on her exploration of nature and music as she's swept up in a garden dream. Learn about different orchestra instruments, flowers, and creatures of Botanica in this virtual Young People's Concert presented by the Wichita Symphony in partnership with Botanica, the Wichita Gardens.

Music Lesson Plan

Student Task Card

Thank you to Amy Brown, Vocal Music Curriculum Coach at Wichita Public Schools for creating the above lesson plan which aligns with the Kansas State General Music Standards.


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2023-2024 Young People's concerts

November 7-9, 2023
Saint-Georges' Sword & Bow

Classical Kids Live!
Wichita Symphony Orchestra

Hoping to become the next great pop sensation, a young girl discovers her music teacher was the biggest star in 18th century France. In this time-bending musical adventure, Giselle learns about life’s triumphs and tragedies from the most accomplished man in Europe, Joseph Bologne Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges. This is a captivating story of of passion, dreams, legacy, and hope.


January 23-25, 2024
M is for Music

Andrew Crust, conductor
Wichita Symphony Orchestra

Sarah T. Murdoch is sure that M is for….Meh. There are ZERO Jellyfish at the Orchestra, and not a single dinosaur. Could music be its own adventure? In this delightful introduction to the symphony, Sarah explores the big questions: What is music for? Where does it come from? And is fancy-schmancy orchestra music really for everyone?

How to Attend

The registration deadline for 2023-2024 Young People's Concerts has closed.

Please email Micaela Heinrich-Arndt at mheinricharndt@wso.org with inquires.

Inquire about YPCs

Cost to Attend

USD 259 and Wichita Private Schools

Schools outside of USD 259


YPC Materials

General YPC Materials
Home Activities

If you are looking for activities or musically-themed lessons for children who are unexpectedly home from school, browse these resources that we send to teachers prior to our Young People's Concerts! These activities are ideal for elementary aged children.


More Information

For more information on In-Person and Virtual YPCs, please email Micaela Heinrich-Arndt at mheinricharndt@wso.org.


Old Cowtown Suite: A virtual young people's concert

Presented by the Wichita Symphony and Apples & Arrows, in partnership with Old Cowtown Museum

 

In fall of 2021, the Wichita Symphony premiered a piece by film composer George S. Clinton called Old Cowtown Suite. The piece, inspired by Wichita's own Old Cowtown Museum, was written specifically for the Wichita Symphony, and is a true love letter to the city and history of Wichita. Just as composer George S. Clinton was inspired by Cowtown, the Wichita Symphony was so inspired by this piece of music that they made it the centerpiece for their second Virtual Young People's Concert. The resulting film pairs video of the Wichita Symphony captured performing live in the Concert Hall with cinematic footage captured at Old Cowtown Museum and beyond. Watch as the players are transported back in time to the Chisholm Trail of the 1880s in this short film that's perfect for students and parents alike! 

Grades 3-5 Lesson Plan

Grades 3-5 Student Task Card

Middle School Lesson Plan

Middle School Student Task Card

Thank you to Amy Brown, Vocal Music Curriculum Coach at Wichita Public Schools for creating the above lesson plans which aligns with the Kansas State General Music Standards.


sea creatures: A VIRTUAL YOUNG PEOPLE'S CONCERT

Presented by the Wichita Symphony and Ion Concert Media
In partnership with the Wichita Public Schools
 

Sea Creatures takes you on a journey through the waters of Planet Earth, introducing you to various sea creatures through HD photos and videos of the animals, with music composed by Daniel Kallman depicting the creatures. The film features members of the Wichita Symphony performing the music, animated artwork that was created for this project by elementary school students of the Wichita Public Schools, and narration by Dr. Alicia Thompson, Superintendent of the Wichita Public Schools.


Young People's Concerts are made possible by the generous support of

Bank of America
The Sam & Rie Bloomfield Foundation
Jackie & Hank Byars
Evergy
Koch Family Foundation
Lattner Family Foundation
Dwane L. & Velma Lunt Wallace Charitable Foundation
Wichita Symphony Ambassadors

The Wichita Symphony receives funding for general operational support from the

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