Big Music. Epic Sound. Free for Local Students.
Every February, the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra opens the doors of Callaway Auditorium and welcomes hundreds of third grade students from Troup, Meriwether, Harris, Heard, and Chambers Counties. These educational concerts introduce students to the world of symphonic music in a meaningful and memorable way—showing them that music is composed by real people, performed by skilled artists, and brought to life right before their eyes. As the sounds of strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion fill the hall, students begin to see how each instrument has a voice and how those voices unite to create something powerful. Experiences like this not only complement their academic studies but also quietly nurture creativity, focus, and discipline, often sparking a curiosity that extends well beyond the performance.
Because the LSO believes that every child deserves the chance to experience live symphonic music, a full orchestra of well over 60 musicians gathers for multiple performances, welcoming approximately 2,500 students from public, private, and home-schooled environments across the region. What begins as a field trip often becomes a moment of profound discovery—one that may shape how a young person listens, learns, and imagines in the years to come.
Offered completely free of charge, these annual concert experiences center on one important goal: giving students the true thrill of the orchestra. For many, it is their very first time hearing symphonic music performed right there, in person! For countless students and teachers, it has become a highlight of the school year.
Learning in the Midst of the Excitement
Under the direction of Maestro Richard Prior, the orchestra along with lively narration provided by Carol Cain guides students through more than just melodies. The concert is carefully designed as both an inspiring performance and an interactive learning opportunity.
Through student engagement, the audience discovers:
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How instruments are grouped into families
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What makes each section unique
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How musicians blend their sounds together
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Proper concert etiquette (including that important question—when to clap!)
Watching an auditorium full of young students grow quiet and attentive as the orchestra begins to play is always a powerful moment. Curiosity becomes attention. Attention becomes discovery.
An Interstellar Journey Through Sound
While the heart of the program is exposing students to the power and beauty of a full orchestra, familiar favorites always bring the house to life. This year, selections from Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean and Trolls drew audible gasps, wide eyes, and wonderful spontaneous smiles. The introduction of each piece was also expertly crafted complete with costume changes and props.
Students may recognize these themes from movies but hearing them performed live—by dozens of musicians playing in perfect coordination—is an entirely different experience. The brass fanfares, sweeping strings, thunderous percussion, and shimmering woodwinds transformed the auditorium into whatever they imagined.
It is spellbinding to see and hear music performed in such a large way, and then feel it resonate throughout the auditorium.
The Thrill of the Orchestra
At the center of the program is Russell Peck’s dynamic work, The Thrill of the Orchestra. This engaging piece highlights each section of the orchestra in turn, demonstrating how individual sounds combine to create something far greater than the sum of their parts.
As themes move from strings to woodwinds to brass to percussion, students not only hear the differences—they see them unfold before their eyes. It’s an unforgettable way to understand how teamwork and artistry come together on stage.
A Moment to Remember
One of the most anticipated moments of the day comes near the end of the program, when a few brave students are invited on stage to try their hand at conducting. Standing before a full orchestra and leading the musicians—even for a few measures—is a memory that lasts well beyond third grade.
Conducting a symphony orchestra? How many can say they’ve ever done that?
A Community Effort
An undertaking of this size requires thoughtful planning, coordination with schools, transportation logistics, volunteers, educators, musicians, and countless behind-the-scenes details. While we cannot name every contributor, please know how deeply grateful we are for the many individuals and partners who help make this experience possible year after year. If you believe in the power of music education and would like to help sustain the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s outreach efforts, we would be honored to connect with you. Please contact us at info@lagrangesymphony.org or call 706.882.0662 to learn how you can support and inspire the next generation through music.
Most of all, we are grateful for the students whose energy and enthusiasm fill the hall. If even one child leaves inspired to explore music further, then the thrill has done exactly what it was meant to do.
© LaGrange Symphony Orchestra 2025/2026 | All rights reserved | 706.882.0662 | Richard Prior, Music Director & Conductor
