Education Outreach Programs
Education Programs That Work

The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra offers our community a world-class series of educational programs for all ages. Your contributions make these programs possible.

Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra
The Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra (LMYO) is the premier extracurricular music and orchestral experience for students grade 4 through high school. Under the direction of Steve Reed, more than 140 talented young musicians perform in the orchestra.

Young People’s Concert
The Young People’s Concert attracts over 3,000 elementary and middle school children.  Symphony docents, in conjunction with their music teachers, prepare the children for the concert through the use of workbooks, video tapes and CDs.

Musicians-in-Schools
The Symphony’s award winning Musicians-in-Schools program is a collaboration between the Symphony and the Berrien County Intermediate School District and local Benton Harbor and St. Joseph area schools.  Recently awarded the Golden Acorn Award for Lifelong Learning, MIS brings orchestra musicians into classrooms for a hand-on learning experience.

Side-by-Side Concert
The Side-by-Side concert brings the Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra on stage together with the professional musicians of the Southwest Michigan Symphony.  These young musicians take their places next to Orchestra members for two rehearsals and a Symphony concert.

Pre-Concert Conversations
Concert goers who attend our Pre-Concert Conversations have a rare opportunity to hear and learn first hand about the music they are about to hear from our conductor and the guest artists who will be performing.  Presented before each concert, the Pre-Concert Conversations provide an insight into the life and times of the composers, the context of the music and hints of what to listen for, for added enjoyment of the concert.