Community and Education
Whether it’s free community concerts, our free and reduced-price ticket programs that allow children and teens to experience Florida Blue Classical Series concerts or the Symphony’s numerous other opportunities to attend thrilling performances, the Jacksonville Symphony is committed to bringing music to all residents of Northeast Florida.Over the course of a single season, the Symphony reaches over 128,000 students and community members in Northeast Florida through live performances, symphonic engagement and the captivating web of music weaved on the concert stage. More than one-third of the education and community engagement audience is comprised of students who participate free-of-charge in our various symphonic programs thanks to financial contributions from generous patrons.
The Jacksonville Symphony Education and Community Engagement programs are underwritten in part by J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver and Deutsche Bank.
Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras
The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras (JSYO) serve more than 200 talented musicians from all over Northeast Florida through six levels of ensembles, two full symphonies and four levels of string ensembles. The ensembles vary by repertoire and technical advancement. The JSYO season begins in September and ends in mid-May with holiday breaks included.
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The Jacksonville Symphony's First Coast Nutcracker has been a cherished tradition in North Florida for over 50 years! This is also the only full Symphony performing its score live in the community. The production also delights children of all ages with a morning matinee performance of the captivating, live dance of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece and educational materials.
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Student Programs and Opportunities
As part of the Ensemble School Visits program, Symphony musicians travel to schools throughout Northeast Florida to perform for students of all ages.
The Preludes and Young People’s Concerts are 45-minute performances geared towards elementary school students that are often a child’s first glimpse into the world of live, musical performance.
The Jump Start Strings After School Music Instruction Program provides free instruments, music books and instruction by Symphony musicians each week to students attending Title I elementary schools.
The Students at the Symphony program provides free or discounted tickets, classroom guides and supporting materials to students and their teachers via school partnerships for select Friday morning performances.
Student Workshop Conductor Visits is a free program for local schools and colleges in which the JSYO Music Director leads working sessions with students on their repertoire, mini-masterclasses and adjudications.
The Preludes and Young People’s Concerts are 45-minute performances geared towards elementary school students that are often a child’s first glimpse into the world of live, musical performance.
The Jump Start Strings After School Music Instruction Program provides free instruments, music books and instruction by Symphony musicians each week to students attending Title I elementary schools.
The Students at the Symphony program provides free or discounted tickets, classroom guides and supporting materials to students and their teachers via school partnerships for select Friday morning performances.
Student Workshop Conductor Visits is a free program for local schools and colleges in which the JSYO Music Director leads working sessions with students on their repertoire, mini-masterclasses and adjudications.
Field Trip Opportunities
Community Concerts
As part of its commitment to making live, transformative music accessible to everyone in Northeast Florida, the Jacksonville Symphony opens its season with two free concerts that are open to the public. Tickets are required for these two performances.
Symphony Chorus
Bringing together the finest voices from across the First Coast, the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus cherishes its nearly four-decade tradition of performing captivating symphonic music alongside the musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony. Its members come from all walks of life, and the roster includes many professional musicians, skilled amateur performers and students. Together, all vocalists share the spirit of bringing music to life through choral performance.
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Community Side-By-Side
Musicians from across Northeast Florida get the chance to join the Jacksonville Symphony in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and perform onstage at Jacoby Symphony Hall under the direction of distinguished Jacksonville Symphony conductors and alongside the marvelous Jacksonville Symphony musicians. No audition is necessary!
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Jacksonville Symphony Ensembles
The Jacksonville Symphony shares the gift of music with tens of thousands of people each year and provides a wide variety of musical opportunities. Musicians perform ensemble concerts in classrooms, libraries, senior centers and nursing homes. In its dedication to serving diverse populations, the Symphony also collaborates with local nonprofits and Duval County Public Schools.
Interested in requesting an ensemble performance? Fill out the registration form below!
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