Once signed up, teachers will gain access to teaching materials that they can incorporate into their curriculum to familiarize their students with the concert repertoire. Bussing subsidies are available for qualifying schools.
LINK UP 2026
The Orchestra Swings
“Swing” is many things. It’s a distinctive rhythmic feel; a musical era dominated by big band jazz; a style of dance that grew alongside the music; and that elusive but unmistakable feeling that results when musicians are deeply tuned into each other and playing in sync, or “in the pocket.” Though swing is characteristic of jazz, an orchestra can also swing. Through the Link Up repertoire, hands-on activities, and a culminating interactive performance with an orchestra and jazz ensemble, we will explore the elements that contribute to that magical moment when musicians start to swing.
Concert Information
Hill Auditorium | 825 N University Ave, Ann Arbor
Tickets: $6
Upon receiving your ticket request, an A2SO staff member will respond confirming your order within 5 business days. Ticket reservations can be adjusted or canceled up until February 14, 2025. Teachers reserving tickets for their school should include the total number of tickets needed for all students, chaperones, aides and teachers attending. Parents not acting as chaperones can purchase tickets separately. See below for more information.
The A2SO will be putting on TWO Link Up concerts on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026.
Concert #1 will be at 10:15 AM and Concert #2 will be at 12:15 PM. Teachers can specify which concert time they would prefer to attend in their ticket reservation form. A2SO staff will do all we can to honor these time requests, but may not be able to seat everyone in the concert of their choice. We will communicate concert time assignments before the end of November 2025.
Important Dates:
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 – Professional Development Session
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 – Final date to request a Busing Subsidy
Friday, February 13th, 2026 – Final date for ticket reservations, adjustments, or cancellations. Tickets for Parents and Guardians (who are not chaperones) go on sale.
Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 – Link Up: The Orchestra Swings Concerts!
Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 – Payment Deadline
Refunds:
Payments are non-refundable if a school chooses not to attend the concert after the March 12 alteration deadline. 50% of the payment will be refundable under the following conditions:
- The school’s district cancels school due to inclement weather or COVID-19 outbreak.
- The performance is canceled.
Financial Assistance
free and reduced lunch percentage (50%)
distance from the school to Hill Auditorium (25%)
number of buses needed (25%)
Teacher Resources
Tickets for Parents & Guardians
Day-of-concert parent and guardian tickets are $15.00.
Parents and guardians who reserve tickets will not sit with their student’s school, but in the designated parent seating area. If they wish to sit with their student’s school, they should contact their parent’s teacher about chaperoning.
If you are a parent who is not able to chaperone, but is available on concert day, and would like to be a part of the youth concert experience, we are always looking for volunteers to help usher! Please contact the Director of Learning & Community if this opportunity is something that interests you.
A great orchestral experience for many ages – no matter if they are simply watching or participating! The song collections are catchy, relevant & make it interesting for kids….something they may never get to do on their own!!
This is a great experience for our students! Many students may never again attend a professional orchestra concert, and to be able to have the chance to attend as well as play and sing along with the orchestra is so valuable for our young student musicians!