Education
School and Riley Center Visits
Our world-renowned guest artists often take time out of their hectic and extremely busy schedules to visit local schools during their stay in Meridian.
These visits give young music students the chance to meet and ask questions of some of the finest musicians in the world! Students in the recent past have had the opportunity to meet with internationally known musicians including Robert Belinic, Marina Lomazov, the very young and gifted clarinetist Narek Arutyunian and the great Celtic ensemble Mithral who thrilled our MSO audience with their amazing performance during the 2011 Peppermint Pops!
For information about how your school can benefit from a visit from one of our gifted artists please call 601-693-3595.
MSO Backstage
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra’s Backstage program is a wonderful opportunity for students of all ages to visit the Riley Center during concert rehearsals. During the visit they will get a guided tour of the historic Riley Center for the Performing Arts and will get a behind-the-scenes understanding of what it takes to produce a world-class performance.
They will also be able to listen in on an MSO rehearsal and, during the rehearsal break, they’ll be able to meet with members of the Meridian Symphony Orchestra including our principal players, guest artists and conductors as well as other members of the orchestra team.
For more information, please call 601-693-3595 at least two weeks prior to our performances. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Community Outreach
Every year the MSA, Inc. pitches tent at the community events around the city including the Threefoot Festival, the Poplar Springs School Art Fest, and, of course, our own Symphony Fun Fest.
Folks of all ages attending these wonderful events will see us “front and center” with our “Musical Instrument Petting Zoo”. This is a great opportunity for kids of all ages to get their hands on strings, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. They get to play loud, play wild, and experience the fun and excitement of playing a musical instrument. These events always stir the creative soul!
For complete information on how your arts organization or school can have a visit by the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo please call 601-693-3595.
Symphony Fun Fest
Symphony Fun Fest is an annual, one-day music workshop event designed to introduce and deepen the appreciation of music in our community’s youth. Our goal is to provide them with the experiences that are educational, creative, engaging and supporting.
Ages 5 to teen are divided into age-appropriate teams and are led through centers, in which they participate in hands-on activities, learn about the musical instrument families, interact in vignettes, visit an “instrument petting zoo”, and attend a LIVE, interactive performance given by music staff.
Symphony Fun Fest 2012 will be happening on June 26, 2012 at the Riley Center for the Performing Arts. Space is limited so call 601-693-3595 to register.
Music Lessons
The Meridian Symphony Association, Inc. (the administrative arm of the MSO) is proud to offer lessons on violin and cello to young music enthusiasts from the greater Meridian area.
Our teachers specialize in working with students of all ages – all a student needs to bring is a violin or cello (we can help you sort one) and an eagerness to learn. We will take care of the rest!
For information on the program, prices, and our teacher backgrounds please call 601-693-3595.