February Educational Concerts
Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean were some of the movie themes featured in this thrilling orchestral program. The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra (LSO) annually provides, free of charge, a full orchestra concert experience for all public and private school third grade students from Troup, Meriwether, Harris, Heard, and Chambers County (AL), plus home-schooled students. It happens every February and has continuously been touted as a highlight of their school year. This concert is so popular, it requires the LSO to host several performances to accommodate all the students! While the outing is inspiring and charismatic, it is also a great learning tool.
On Stage
The music program is conducted by Maestro Richard Prior and includes a variety of selections with which the audience can relate. LSO musicians bring the music to life in a big way. It’s fascinating to watch an auditorium filled with very young students, become mesmerized by pure live orchestral music. This is music they may have heard before on an electronic device, but here it was being produced in person just for them. Some students have never experienced a live performance before especially nothing as large as an orchestra!
Narration and interaction with the students is also an integral part of this program. Carol Cain, a regional storyteller, does a tremendous job engaging the audience. While the program is entertaining, it is also filled with great information. Students learn about the instruments, how they are grouped, what they sound like, how they blend together, etiquette during a concert, and even how to know when to clap. Hopefully some of these third graders will become inspired to pursue music, or at least participate in some of the many youth programs offered.
Featuring Russell Peck’s The Thrill of the Orchestra
The featured part of this program is The Thrill of the Orchestra, by award-winning American composer Russell Peck. This work musically and narratively describes all of the orchestra sections and how they work together. Below are a few photos taken during The Thrill of the Orchestra.
[The LSO included The Thrill of the Orchestra in their March 2023 EDUCATION concert and you can read more about Russell Peck in this blog post. You can also read a review of the March 2023 EDUCATION Concert HERE.]
One final treat
Before the end of the event, a few students were allowed to help Maestro Prior conduct on stage! Conducting a full orchestra? Now that’s a thrill in any galaxy!
Many essential elements
Organizing the logistics of such an event as this involves many essential elements of which we couldn’t possibly list all. Please know that we thank all of you.
The 2025 educational concerts are sponsored in part by a grant from:
with support from:
© LaGrange Symphony Orchestra 2024/2025 | All rights reserved | 706.882.0662 | Richard Prior, Music Director & Conductor
