El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras (EPSYOs)

For the first time, El Paso will be home to a national-level youth orchestra system made up of the most talented young musicians from the region. EPSYOs is open to all qualified orchestral musicians ages 7 - 23 currently enrolled in their school’s instrumental music program (if available). Under the musical direction of new El Paso resident, Benjamin Loeb, EPSYOs will have weekly Sunday afternoon rehearsals and present two concerts in its inaugural season. Please visit www.EPSYOs.org for more information or call (915) 525-8978 or (915) 525-8988.

BRASS IN CLASS

Our Brass in Class consists of five of the areas finest brass musicians. The musicians perform on-site concerts annually at over 25 elementary, middle and high schools throughout the El Paso region. With over 10 years of experience these musicians create an interesting, informational and entertaining 45 minutes for young children. Each year hundreds of thank you letters are received in the symphony offices written by "admiring fans" of these fine musicians. It is difficult to estimate the number of children who have been inspired to pursue musical education as a result of these concerts. We can say that due to the enthusiasm, energy and talent of the Brass in Class musicians many children now know that playing an instrument can be a fun way to express themselves.

STRINGS IN SCHOOLS

Strings in Schools presents chamber music concerts to children in and around the El Paso area every Tuesday throughout the school year. For most students these concerts are their first exposure to live classical music, specifically chamber music. Using the medium of the string quartet, the ensemble is able to introduce the members of the string family, the grandfather of the modern symphony. The presentation includes music from a variety of composers and styles including classic literature for the string quartet from composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Dvorak, but also including mariachi music, folk songs, and pop movie melodies. Children in the audience enjoy the intimate setting in which they are able to have close up seating, interactive participation, sing-a-long and many chances to ask questions of the quartet. Strings in Schools enjoys the response from the audiences through requests to return and through the number of cards and letters received annually.

KIDS FOR KLASSICS

Our Kids For Klassics outreach program addresses two very real problems for El Paso area students, that of income and transportation. Over 400 tickets to each of the classical subscription concerts are distributed free to area school districts for students at various schools. The tickets are specifically in the top balcony. This program is intended for groups of 25 or more. Bus transportation to and from the concert is provided by the school districts and the children attend the symphony concert in a “fieldtrip” atmosphere. Information concerning the repertoire and Composers are distributed to the school in time for teacher to incorporate it into the daily lesson plans. Backstage tours and pre-concert lectures intended specifically for students are provided.

ANGEL TICKETS

Free Angel Tickets to the El Paso Symphony classical concerts are available upon request from teachers of the El Paso area public and private schools for students grades 5 - 12 and chaperones.

DRESS REHEARSALS

School groups are invited to attend dress rehearsal and experience a concert in process.

SYMPHONY SENIORS

Similar to the Kids For Klassics program, our Symphony Seniors outreach targets low income elderly residents of the El Paso Housing Authority (EPHA). Free tickets are distributed to EPHA who in turn invite and transport elderly residents to the classical concerts.

GOLDEN NOTES

This program targets elderly citizens who are unable to attend classical concerts. Much like Brass in Class, this outreach will present on-site concerts at area nursing homes, retirement villages and adult day care centers. Small groups of orchestra members will take live music to these sometimes “forgotten citizens”. Response has been strong for this very needed outreach. However, performances are delayed pending funding.

MUSIC SANDWICHED IN

Music Sandwiched In is an interactive, informal music forum presented at the University of Texas at El Paso designed to enhance the audience’s enjoyment if the Symphony’s Classical performance. Special guest speakers include the EPSO guest artist, conductor and musicians.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERTS

Every year, for the past 64 years, the El Paso Symphony Orchestra has introduced countless of 5th grade area students to a live classical concert for the very first time. Over 15,000 students are bused downtown to the Abraham Chavez Theatre by three major El Paso School districts, private schools and schools in the surrounding area where they are treated to a concert performed especially for them. Docent materials are sent to the teachers prior to the concerts and incorporated into lesson plans. The six concerts presented over three days are funded entirely by donations.