An annual tradition for many schools, the Jacksonville Symphony’s school matinee performances of the First Coast Nutcracker invite students in grades K-12 to experience this beloved holiday classic just before the holiday break. Held in the Moran Theater at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, this fully staged production features elegant dancing, colorful costumes, theatrical storytelling and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by Symphony musicians.
Each attending class receives a First Coast Nutcracker Adventure Guide, offering an in-depth look at the story, the composer, the choreographer and what it takes to bring a full-length ballet to life and create a beautiful art form. Click the link below to download the PDF:
During performances, students are excited when they realize that they recognize many parts of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s stirring music played live by the Symphony from the orchestra pit. In addition, the beautiful scenery, intricate costumes and elegant dancing are key ingredients in keeping their attention. There is magic and gymnastics in the party scene, lots of action when toy soldiers defend the Nutcracker prince from the mice and a fun geography lesson when different countries are represented in scenes of Act II. I find it very heartwarming to stand backstage and hear the children cheering and applauding for classical music and ballet.
We strive to make our production artistically excellent and a meaningful experience for the young dancers who participate and all who attend. Each student can access the First Coast Nutcracker Adventure Guide above to learn more about the composer, choreographer and melodies and how these elements come together to create a beautiful art form. There are also games to play and pictures to remember the day.
I know your students will enjoy this special holiday tradition and learn so much as well. Please consider arranging this field trip for your class or the entire school, and we will do everything possible to make it a rewarding and inspiring experience. The dancers will be practicing very hard over the next three months and are eager to perform with our esteemed guest artists and the Jacksonville Symphony for you and your class.
Please fill out the online registration form as soon as possible by clicking the School Registration Form button above. We will be happy to reserve a place for your students. To help minimize costs and keep prices for the educational performances low, we would appreciate it if you would share this letter with the other teachers at your school. On behalf of the orchestra members, cast and production crew, we look forward to seeing you in December and helping make those last days before the holiday break unforgettable.
Sincerely yours,
Linda Holmes
Executive Director
904-354-3716
nutcracker@jaxsymphony.org
