Kids & Families

Click on the link below to download a copy of the 2012-2013 Education Brochure. 

Lollipop Concerts [ages 3-7]

Children naturally embrace music, rhythm and dance.  What better time in their development to enhance beloved childhood tales than with the Grand Rapids Symphony’s musical interpretation of classic children’s literature paired with live actors, dancers and musicians?

Come and experience the joy of live music with your children! Tickets are $5 per person, regardless of age, for general admission seats. Call the GRS ticket office at 616/454-9451 ext. 4 or Ticketmaster at 616/456-3333. 

For information regarding the school performances of our Lollipop Concerts, please click on the Schools and Teachers menu on the left.


Hansel and Gretel

The classic farytale with a modern approach comes to life with the Grand Rapids Symphony is joined by the Grand Rapids Ballet Company!

Family Performances
January 26, 2013
Performances at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Sunshine Community Church

Ferdinand the Bull

The beloved heart-warming tale of Ferdinand the Bull and his adventures in this fun-loving musical adaptation featuring the Grand Rapids Symphony, actors and dancers.

Family Performances
March 23, 2013
Performances at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Sunshine Community Church
 

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DTE Energy Foundation Family Series Concerts [ages 8-13]

Sponsored by DTE Energy Foundation
DTE Energy Foundation Family Series: A concert series so fun, your kids won’t know it’s good for them, too!
There’s no “app” for a live concert and once you’re here, they’ll forget about their phone entirely.  Get inspired by the pros showing off what they love to do best—play great music with skill and style, no matter when it was written. 

Come early to get in on the tons of hands-on fun before the concert even starts!  The pre-show activities in the lobby where kids get to try an instrument new to them, or show off their “mad skills” on their favorite.

Fiddles on Fire

You only think you know what a violin sounds like!  Set your Fiddles on Fire with this foot-stomping festival of violin playing that includes Celtic fiddles, blue grass, jazz and more!

Fiddles on Fire
October 14, 2012
3:00 p.m. (Pre-concert activities at 2:00 p.m.)
Forest Hills Fine Arts Center 

The Listener

The conductor's efforts are complicated by the unexpected participation of two overly enthusiastic spectators.  A bugle-playing mime who wants to sing opera, and a tap-dancing balleringa are just part of the conductor's comic dilemma as two zany characters bring "the art of listening" to life.

The Listener
April 14, 2013
3:00 p.m. (Pre-concert activities at 2:00 p.m.)
Forest Hills Fine Arts Center

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Grand Rapids Youth Symphony [ages 12-18]

Presented by Meijer

Middle and high school-aged instrumental students are able to play in ensemble that will both excited and challenge them.  Students play music from the same repertoire as the professionals, under the direction of John Varineau, Associate Conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphony.
 
For more information about these ensembles, including audition information, contact the GRYS/CO office at 616/866-6883 or check them out on the web at www.grys.org.

 

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Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses [ages 6-18]

Presented by Legacy Trust; Sean Ivory occupies The Cal and Pat Verduin Chair 

These young singers ages 6-18 are regularly featured onstage with the Grand Rapids Symphony each year to present a wide variety of exceptional music.  Led by Youth Chorus Director Sean Ivory, and Junior Youth Chorus Director Jackie Sonderfan Schoon, these fine musicians are not to be missed!
 
For more information about these ensembles, including audition information, contact the GRSYC office at 616/881-2560 or check them out on the web at www.grsyc.org

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Access to Music and Senior Access to Music Concerts [all ages]


Sponsored by: Amway, Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority & SMG Management 
The Access to Music Concerts provide a unique performance FREE for members of the Greater Grand Rapids community who are not able to attend traditional concerts due to impairments or physical and financial limitations.  These concerts occupy a special place in the heart of the Grand Rapids Symphony’s education programs.  Come and enjoy great music in an environment that will be sure to make everyone feel welcome.


Held at the new Salvation Army Kroc Center, these concerts are in a barrier free location, with close and convenient parking for concert attendees.  Additionally, plenty of volunteers are on-hand to assist concert attendees to and from their vehicles.
Space is limited!  Advance reservations are required.  Contact the Education Department to make a reservation at 616/454-9451, Ext. 128.

Access to Music
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Performances at 9:30 a.m. and *10:45 a.m.

Salvation Army Kroc Center
*The 10:45 a.m. performance is SOLD OUT!

 
Senior Access to Music (for guests 50+)
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Performance at 2:00 p.m.
Salvation Army Kroc Center

Access to Music Volunteers

Many volunteers and high school students donate their time to facilitate the concert-going experience for this special event. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Annamarie Buller at 616/454-9451 ext. 149.

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