Musicians in Schools

This program is available for interdisciplinary presentations to grades K-12 in their classrooms; these presentations are approximately 45 minutes long, and touch upon music, history, geography and science. Ensembles (duos, trios, or quartets) can be composed of string, wind, brass, percussion, or a mixture of instruments to fit the needs of the school music program. By using small instrumental ensembles able to customize their programs and travel directly to schools, this program is efficient in terms of both cost and instructional time. Because of our access to musicians, this special programming is nearly unlimited in its capacity to grow. It can also complement curriculum by bringing the arts to compliment various subjects being taught. The program is tied to best practices in states using a mandated assessed curriculum, and can be implemented at a variety of grade levels from elementary through high school and college.   To book a program call Robin Flores at 610-432-7961 x 207 or email rflores@allentownsymphony.org

The Voorhees Concerto Competition

This competition, sponsored by the Allentown Symphony Association, honors Donald Voorhees, (b. Allentown, Pennsylvania) a distinguished American Conductor and first Maestro of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. Perpetuating his legacy to music, it encourages and rewards local young musicians who aspire to solo instrumental performance. The Voorhees Concerto Competition has provided exceptional young artists the opportunity to showcase their talent before a panel of esteemed judges. This Competition has earned widespread respect and recognition. Many Voorhees Concerto finalists have pursued successful solo careers. Cash Prizes are awarded.

Download 2011 Information & Application
Application Deadline: March 23, 2011
2011 Voorhees Concerto Competition: April 7, 2011 

Master Classes

Master Classes feature a soloist engaged to perform with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. These accomplished musicians travel to local high school and college music departments to work “hands on” with students who are studying music in more advanced instrumental/vocal settings.

Musical Instrument Petting Zoo

This program is a “hands-on” introduction to a variety of instruments and is available for community events. This program is most often offered in schools all around the Lehigh Valley. It consists of a collection of gently used instruments and a music educator or “zookeeper” who explains the instrument and guides participants in instrument use. This program is particularly effective when offered with other ASA programs, particularly in conjunction with the Youth Concert Series or Musicians in Schools.  To schedule a Petting Zoo call Robin Flores at 610-432-7961 x 207 or email rflores@allentownsymphony.org

Schadt String Summer Camp Scholarships

Schadt Brothers String Summer Camp Scholarships provide opportunities for young string students in the Greater Lehigh Valley Region to experience concentrated instrumental study from outstanding teachers, coaches, and conductors, in a summer educational environment with other students in their age group. Students who audition for a scholarship will have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship every spring up to 18 years of age. Scholarship awards will be based upon artistic merit. Awards will range from $50 -$500 depending upon the price and length of the camp.

Download the 2011 Application

City Arts Camp

Partners include:
- Allentown Symphony Association
- Allentown Art Museum
- Baum School of Art
- Civic Theatre of Allentown
- Community Music School
- Repertory Dance Theatre

For one or two weeks in August children can attend City Arts Camp for a week of immersion in visual and performing arts. The cost to attend camp is $195 per week. This cost can be prohibitive for local parents and almost half of the attendees do so with some level of scholarship assistance. Allentown Symphony pays musician/educators to work with campers (Ages 8 to 12) to make them realize that music they hear every day is actually classical music. Familiar melodies from cartoons, movies and television which are actually part of a larger classical work are brought to life by musicians, and put in historical context for the children.

Arts Walk

The Arts Walk is a program facilitated in conjunction with the Youth Concert Series. The Allentown Symphony Association partners with our “arts neighbors” in downtown Allentown to create an annual “Arts Walk” experience for 400 third-grade students from the Allentown School District. Children from these elementary schools face the toughest challenges in the school district, as they live in the poorest sections of Allentown. Participating students attend the Youth Concert, view related art work at the Allentown Art Museum and travel to the Baum School of Art to create their own art based on their personal day’s experiences. The goal of the Arts Walk event illustrates how music crosses artistic boundaries and relates to other art and cultural formats.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS:

Brown Bag Lunches - From noon till 1:00, on the Friday before each symphony subscription concert weekend, Allentown Symphony Orchestra Music Director/Conductor Diane Wittry leads a talk about the music for the weekend's concert. Guest soloists are often on hand during this free get-together on stage at Symphony Hall.

Senior Series - Orchestra members present informative pre-concert lectures at five local senior centers/ retirement communities: Luther Crest, Phoebe Terrace, Kirkland Village, Lehigh County Senior Citizens Center, and Moravian Hall Square.