SCHOOL CONCERTS

Our very popular School Concert series for all of Skagit County's fifth graders is currently in its 14th year. For most students, it is their first time hearing a live orchestra performance; for many, it's their first time in a concert hall. During the concert, the conductor introduces each instrument, adding his signature humor to the event. An educational introduction to the orchestra and classical music, this concert series is a true gem, and unique in our entire region. All expenses to produce the three concerts, including all school bus transportation and cost of McIntyre Hall rental and labor, are covered by Skagit Symphony, thanks to the generosity of our community. Students from more than 26 public schools and private and home school groups attend each year—a wonderful opportunity for students, and a favorite concert for most of our musicians.

To find out how your school can attend a School Concert, please contact our Executive Director at execdir@skagitsymphony.com

FAMILY CONCERT

Please join us in the lobby as we begin this special event on Sunday, January 29th at 1:00 pm with “Meet the Musicians,” an opportunity to talk with members of Skagit Symphony and see their instruments up close. Following this interactive experience, at 2pm the orchestra will perform a 45-minute concert program, designed especially for families to inspire flights of fancy and fuel the imaginations of any age!

TO ORDER FAMILY CONCERT TICKETS:

Our Family Concert is a reserved seating event this season. Check back for more details in the fall.

Dear Skagit Symphony,
The arts are alive and well in Skagit Valley! Musicians young and old within our community grow together and form a unique family. The support of this fantastic orchestra to help make it possible for the Mount Vernon High School Wind Ensemble to perform at Carnegie Hall, NY was beyond inspiring. Thank you for making this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity a reality!

Jacob Scherr
Mount Vernon High School
Director of Bands and Orchestra

From MVHS Students:

“Traveling to New York City was a fantastic experience for both me and all of my peers. To contribute to such a legacy of excellence in the MVSD music programs was extremely gratifying. The rehearsal process was long and often tedious, but the opportunity to perform in such an esteemed venue was life-changing. Never have I ever played in such a rich acoustic space, and to think that so many of my musical inspirations have played in the same facility is awe-inspiring and truly humbling.”

– Drew Shipman, Flute (Senior Year trip to NY)

“Having the opportunity just to go to New York normally is one you never would want to miss. But getting the chance to perform on one of the greatest settings in the music world is an experience that will stay with someone forever. For me personally, getting to perform on a stage that some of the world’s greatest musicians have performed on was an experience that has inspired me to go as far as I can with music, and it was one of the big turning points in my life. It is one of the memories that I will treasure forever. From the build-up to going, seeing how hard everyone was working to make this performance amazing, to the performance itself, where everyone gave it their all. The energy when were exiting the stage was one that I thought would never end. Emotions were all over the place; energy was high. Words alone cannot fully describe what it means to play across the country on an amazing stage with such incredible musicians and directors.”

– Lucas Webster, Tuba (Freshman Year trip to NY)

This exciting partnership with area middle and high school music programs continues this season— welcoming music students to attend our concerts and dress rehearsals at no cost, and encouraging talented young musicians to audition for a spot in our orchestra.

In addition, we are seeking other ways to support our area’s youth by helping raise funds for their special musical opportunities. Recently, we held a raffle at one of our concerts, where we contributed proceeds to support the Mount Vernon High School Wind Ensemble’s trip to Carnegie Hall!