Each year, more than 15,000 people in Southeast Michigan experience the A2SO in their schools, libraries and communities. Through these interactions, they grow their musical curiosity, they grow their listening skills, and they grow their love of music.
KinderConcerts and Instrument Petting Zoos engage our youngest audience members. Classroom concerts, sectionals, side-by-sides and Link Up concerts teach and inspire school-age kids. And open dress rehearsals and concerts in the community and at Farmers Markets entertain music-lovers of all ages.
A2SO @ Schools
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s Learning & Community Chamber Ensembles bring the orchestra off the stage and into your school for a close-up musical experience where children are active listeners. These 30-minute performances are designed to introduce classical music and the instruments of the orchestra to K-5 students in an assembly-type setting.
Chamber Concerts
The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s Public Chamber Series feature small groups of A2SO musicians performing established classics and dynamic new works, all in some of Southeast Michigan’s most enthralling and engaging spaces. We’re excited to be bringing chamber performances back into the community in response to enthusiastic audience support, and look forward to welcoming you to the Symphony — chamber style!
Farmers Markets
The Farmers Market program brings chamber music into local farmers markets in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, and Dexter, and partners with the markets and local food pantries to distribute free concert ticket vouchers to SNAP recipients.
Find a Teacher
Looking for expert, approachable teaching for your young musician? Many of our musicians are active instructors in the region!
Instrument Petting Zoos
Instrument Petting Zoos give community members the opportunity to get up close and personal with the instruments of the orchestra. Whether it’s trying out a violin or sampling something larger like a trombone, budding instrumentalists can try their hands at something new in a zero-pressure environment that empowers them to explore the full breadth of their creativity.
KinderConcerts
Curated for young music enthusiasts, audience members will be given the opportunity to dance, move, and sing while listening to a guided introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. These free, half-hour performances are a great way for parents, grandparents, teachers, and guardians to introduce classical music to their young listeners in a familiar setting.
Link Up Youth Concerts
This interactive concert empowers grades 3-5 students to participate in the performance from their seats as they sing, play recorders, and dance along with the orchestra. This program is provided through a partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.
Meet the Maestro
Meet the Maestro brings Earl Lee, the Music Director and Conductor of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, directly to your middle or high school! This unique experience offers students multiple opportunities to learn from and interact with the maestro.
Teacher Resources
The A2SO Teacher Resource Hub is a new initiative by your Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra featuring learning materials that are designed with teachers in mind.
Young Artist Competition
Are you or someone you know a young, promising instrumentalist? The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is hosting its 2025 Young Artist Competition, giving Michigan students the opportunity to perform in concert with a full professional orchestra.