Community Outreach
The Norwalk Youth Symphony is an active member of the community in Norwalk and surrounding areas, through our education programs, fundraising, and public performances.
Lessons In The Schools
The Lessons in the Schools program (LIS) provides private music instruction and increased access to the arts to economically disadvantaged children who play stringed instruments in the Norwalk Public School system.
Students in grades five-through-eight are eligible to apply based on previous string instrument study, demonstrated financial need, and school music teacher recommendation. Through the program, these students receive a 30- or 45-minute lesson each week for 30 weeks during the school year from professional teachers at a minimal cost. Students who progress sufficiently in their lessons audition for the NYS orchestral program and continue to receive lessons through LIS, even into high school, as long as they are playing in one of the orchestras. Thus, NYS is able to offer its quality programming to a more diverse population.
In 2008-09, brass instruction was added to this program.
Fundraising
NYS sponsors fundraising concerts to benefit organizations such as AmeriCares and Save The Children, to help support and raise awareness of these organizations and their programs.
Public Performances
NYS ensembles regularly perform free concerts at venues such as the United Nations, Stamford Town Center, and the Carriage Barn Arts Center.
Our musicians also visit area schools and churches to entertain and demonstrate the benefits of music education.
Educational events such as our Master Class Series are also open to the public and are free of charge.