The Jacksonville Symphony offers a variety of educational concert experiences throughout the school year that complement and enhance classroom learning. We welcome K–12 classrooms to join us at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts for unforgettable field trip opportunities!
Explore the programs below to find the best fit for your students:
Youth Concerts
Each season, the Jacksonville Symphony presents two age-appropriate concerts designed to introduce young audiences to the power of live symphonic music: Preludes in the fall and Young People’s Concerts in the spring. These engaging 45-minute performances are held in Jacoby Symphony Hall and reach thousands of Northeast Florida students in grades 1-5—many experiencing a live symphony orchestra for the very first time.
To support classroom learning and deepen students’ musical experience, each Youth Concert includes a comprehensive lesson plan and concert curriculum, created in collaboration with local educators and aligned with Florida state education standards.
To be notified of upcoming educational opportunities, please sign up for our educational emails at the bottom of this page.
Preludes
Grades K-3 · October 22 & 23, 2025 · 10:30 am
Preludes concerts offer a lively and engaging introduction to classical music. These fun, interactive performances highlight all sections of the orchestra and spark imagination through music and storytelling—perfect for young learners.
Young People's Concerts (YPC)
Grades 3-5 · February 17 & 18, 2026 · 10:30 am
Young People’s Concerts provide an exciting exploration of orchestral music. These dynamic performances build on students’ growing understanding of music, offering a deeper dive into symphonic sound, structure and expression.
Percussion Ensemble Performances
Grades K-12 · Multiple Dates Available · 10:30 am
These sensory-friendly* events are designed to create an inclusive environment for all students, offering a unique opportunity to experience music in a personalized way. Our percussionists perform a curated selection of pieces, introduce their instruments and engage directly with students.
*Seating accommodations and earplugs can be provided by the Symphony upon request.
Students at the Symphony
Grades 6-12 · Multiple Dates Available · 11:00 am
Held during the school day, this program provides public and private students with free or discounted tickets to select Friday morning Coffee Series concerts. This program is a unique opportunity for students to experience the thrill of live symphonic music during the school day. Upon request and subject to availability, the experience can be enhanced with a post-concert meet-and-greet with a Jacksonville Symphony conductor or musician.
To learn more or arrange a visit for your students, please contact Heather Simpson at hsimpson@jaxsymphony.org.
First Coast Nutcracker
Grades K-12 · December 11 & 12, 2025 · 10:30 am
A beloved holiday tradition, this fully staged production invites students to experience the First Coast Nutcracker just before the holiday break. Held in the Moran Theater, the performance features elegant dancing, colorful costumes, theatrical storytelling and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by Symphony musicians.
To learn more or register for this field trip opportunity, please click the buttons below:
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Music Education Resources
The Jacksonville Symphony provides a variety of concert curriculum materials and in-school performance opportunities throughout the school year that enhance your music curriculum and educational experiences. We encourage teachers of grades K-12 to check out our resources below:
Concert Curriculum Materials
Before your visit, be sure to explore the curriculum materials below. These resources are designed to help teachers prepare students for their Symphony experience - covering topics like orchestra instruments, classical music and concert etiquette.
Each button is a link to download a PDF PowerPoint Presentation:
Virtual Programs
Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, we’re proud to offer virtual educational concerts at no cost! These programs are a great way to introduce students to the instruments of the orchestra and spark a lasting appreciation for classical music. To be notified about these educational programs, please subscribe to our educational emails.
Ensembles in Schools
Bring the Symphony to your classroom! Jacksonville Symphony musicians visit schools to perform engaging ensemble performances that give students a closer look - and listen - at the instruments of the orchestra.
To request an ensemble visit, please complete the form by clicking the button below*:
*Please note that ensembles must be requested at least eight weeks prior to your desired performance date. Completing the request form does not guarantee a visit.
