Our Education & Outreach Programs continue to be popular with the central Alberta Community and the Orchestra alike!

Choir Kids Program

This is a unique, one of a kind program in Canada, offering the opportunity for elementary school children in central Alberta to rehearse and perform with a professional orchestra. Choir Kids has been an annual event since 1999, and was created by our Music Director, Maestro Claude Lapalme!

Each year, Maestro Lapalme coordinates with the participating music teachers and arranges two pieces of music for orchestral accompaniment. Choirs will rehearse in their classrooms for three months prior to the performance. In March, each school choir has an exclusive rehearsal with the RDSO, and performs their two pieces with them! At the end of each concert is a Grand Finale, with all school choirs singing together.

Concerts are at the New Life Fellowship Church, March 14 and 21, 2011.

Tickets to attend are 10.00 and can be purchased through participating schools or the RDSO Office (403-340-2948)

Email: reddeersymphony@telus.net

Symphonic Show N’ Tell Program

Under the direction of the Maestro Lapalme, small groups of RDSO musicians travel to elementary schools in Red Deer and surrounding communities in central Alberta to introduce the world of symphonic music to children. Using short works of contrasting character, individual instruments are featured in a chamber setting with explanations and demonstrations.

In the spring of 2010, the Symphonic Show N’ Tell Program will bring symphonic music to over 15 schools in Red Deer and central Alberta!

Woodwind Quintet Program

Under the direction of Maestro Lapalme, the RDSO Woodwind Quintet perform in junior and senior high schools throughout Red Deer and central Alberta. This program supports local high school band programs, and motivates the students to continue with their band studies. This spring we will perform in 8 junior and senior high schools.

Dress Rehearsal Program

Developed in 2003, the Rehearsal Program gives Students and Educators an opportunity attend a dress rehearsal prior and see a professional orchestra at work! Students are better able to realize the amount of work involved in putting a quality performance together.

To enhance the experience, the RDSO provides a Study Guide, which provides information such as: Orchestra Etiquette, concert pieces being performed, composers, Guest Artists and their instruments, different sections of the orchestra, things to listen for, etc. Two RDSO musicians also provide a short pre-rehearsal chat and demonstration in the lobby!

Tickets are required (but free!), as seating is limited - please call the RDSO office at 340-2948 to confirm your attendance at these events. We ask that you provide one chaperone for every two children attending, and that you remain seated and quiet through the dress rehearsal, as the orchestra will be working hard! There will be an intermission approximately half way through the 2 hour rehearsal.

Stay tuned – we will soon be announcing the two dress rehearsal dates for the 2010-11 season!

One Hour Community Concerts

This free program runs in conjunction with our Chamber Series. The Guest Artists do a short performance in a community location, such as Senior’s residences, to reach those who might not otherwise be able to attend a concert.

Community Outreach Dress Rehearsals

This free program targets special interest groups (Senior’s, Legion members, other arts and culture groups, persons with disabilities). They are invited to attend a dress rehearsal of a Main Series concert to observe the orchestra at work.