We all know that the more we understand a particular topic, the more we appreciate it. That's why education is so important. A significant part of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra's mission is education, whether for its audience or in the local schools.

Every year, thanks in part to generous contributors, the symphony performs two private concerts for schoolchildren. Throughout the year, at each public performance, volunteers coordinate both children's activities and educational experiences for the audience at large (see Concert Events link for more information).

Check back here as the season progresses for program notes to accompany each subscription concert listed below. You'll learn more about both the composers and their works, enhancing your concert experience.

• October 21, 3:00 p.m. -- Mozart: Divertimento for Strings. Mahler: Symphony No. 1, "Titan."
• November 18, 3:00 p.m. -- Berlioz: Roman Carnival Overture. Gryc: Trombone concerto "Passagi." Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings. Special guest soloist: Joe Alessi, principal trombone, New York Philharmonic.
• February 10, 3:00 p.m. -- Mozart: Symphony No. 39. Grieg: Piano Concerto in A Minor. Guest soloist: Di Wu, piano.
• March 16, 3:00 p.m. -- Beethoven: Egmont Overture. Derryberry Solo Competition Winner concerto. Kodaly: Hary Janos Suite.
• April 20, 3:00 p.m. -- Puccini: Madame Butterfly (semi-staged opera).

There are also wonderful learning experiences available through the following web sites:

• American Composers Forum
• Composers Datebook
• American Symphony Orchestra League
• Meet the Music

During 2006-07, our education concerts were part of a series of educational outreach events sponsored by Averitt Express. Additional funding was provided by:

• An Arts Build Communities grant. The Arts Build Communities program is funded by the Tennessee General Assembly and administered in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts Commission and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. This project is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
• A grant from the Cookeville Arts Council.
• A grant from Sam's Club.

The strength of our collaborative partners is the fundamental reason an organization of our size can proceed with a major undertaking like this. To learn more about ways you can contribute, please contact us at 931-372-6088 or send email to bryansymph@tntech.edu or visit our "Supporting the BSO" webpage.



Last Updated: October 4, 2007