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Education
Educational Outreach & Partnerships
For an orchestra its size, MSO educational reach is vast. MSO believes in the transforming experience of live music. We search continually for new paths to create innovative music education programs for people of all ages, races and backgrounds.
MSO’s in-school education program reaches about 13,000 students in 38 schools in several school systems across the state. Our education initiatives are made possible, in part, by gifts from the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation.
- 1,000 children and youth, who may not otherwise have access to string instrument instruction, participate in weekly music classes.
- 100s of music ensemble visits inside schools and in communities
- 50+ students are active in MSO’s Youth Orchestra
- 12 full-time music teachers
- 10+ educational orchestra concerts inside schools and in communities
Expand the toggles below to explore our programs.
Pre-Concert Lectures
Dr. Timothy Coker, Professor Emeritus of Music at Millsaps College, leads free, pre-concert lectures with a fascinating look at the programmed music for each Bravo Series concert beginning at 6:30pm on the Mezzanine (top floor) of Thalia Mara Hall.
Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO)
MSO’s Training Ground
The Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra stands as a beacon of music education and community enrichment, embarking on a new chapter following its (2023) 75th anniversary. MYSO is more than just an orchestra founded in 1948; it’s an enriching experience for Mississippi youth, offering excellent orchestral training under the guidance of professional musicians.
Specializing in strings education, MYSO provides beginner, elementary, and advanced classes, with weekly rehearsals, sectional instrument training, and music theory classes. Currently expanding to include Woodwind and Brass High School Ensembles, MYSO aims to cultivate a full orchestral experience.
Beyond music, MYSO fosters creativity, discipline, and cognitive development, equipping youth with life skills. Membership promotes inclusivity and diversity, and provides stages for showcasing talent, and fostering friendships. Mississippi’s musical future is bright with MYSO leading the way.
More Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) information.
Premier Orchestral Institute (POI) and Summer Music Festival
MSO’s Premier Orchestral Institute and Summer Music Festival is a highly esteemed string workshop that unites individuals from across the globe in Mississippi each summer. POI is open to elementary-age, middle school, high school, college-age, and adult musicians. More Premier Orchestral Institute (POI) information.
Premier Orchestral Institute (POI) International Composition Competition
The POI International Composition Competition (started in 2023) provides an opportunity for composers of all nationalities to premiere their compositions and encourages composers to include folk music elements in their compositions to preserve cultural heritage. More International Composition Competition information.
University & College Programs
Programs with Mississippi College, Millsaps College, Belhaven University, Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Medical Center range from student ticket programs, to guest artist masterclasses and school choral participation in MSO concerts. MSO partners in the Millsaps Conservatory of Music.
College & University Student Composer’s Forum
In partnership with the Mississippi Museum of Art, MSO offers college students in the composition departments at Belhaven University, Jackson State University, Mississippi University for Women, and Mississippi College the opportunity to hear the orchestra read and react constructively to their new compositions, affording the students an incomparable education experience. MSO also provides small ensembles twice a year for the composition department at Mississippi College, so that students may hear the Chamber works they have composed.
Student Tickets
Cost will not limit exposure to symphonic music at MSO. For school students through college with valid school ID, tickets to MSO-produced concerts are always $5 thanks to our corporate partners. For group ticket purchases, contact MSO Patron Services.
Education Statewide
In addition to the regular MSO-concert season, MSO travels around the state offering full orchestra concerts with classical, pops or a combination of literature and Chamber music concerts (in smaller venues). Some of these concerts are educational and tailored to school-age children. Our String Quartet, Woodwind Quintet, and Brass Quintet also do over 100 “informances” inside grade schools for students.