Season Tickets Available starting Sept. 16 for Symphony Supporters and Sept. 23 for the general public!

Education Initiative

Get Involved with FSO!

The FSO’s Education Initiative

The FSO is an indispensable community leader, partner, advocate, and resource for propelling academic achievement of students in the greater Fredericksburg region.

Studies consistently demonstrate that student participation in the arts is linked to academic achievement. Arts education helps to close the achievement gap for low-income students, and even a single field trip to an arts organization strengthens critical thinking skills. Nationwide, high arts involvement also directly correlates with decreased disciplinary actions and incidence of truancy, increased passing rates and pursuit of higher education. 

FSO Education Events

In 2025, the FSO will add a new concert to its series, geared for children. These concerts are only 1 hour with no intermission, and they will always be fun and entertaining. Kids under 12 are free! Lolli-Pops! also offers pre-concert activities in the lobby for children and meet and greet with the musicians.

New Lolli-Pops! Concert For Kids!
Children on stage with the FSO!
Children enjoying a moment with FSO pianist James Pitts and harpist Anastasia Pike.

Free Concert Tickets

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the FSO has provided blocks of free student tickets to our concerts. To date, hundreds of children (and parents) have enjoyed the magic of FSO symphony concerts. 

Access to Guest Artists

As a demonstration of its commitment to education, all FSO guest artists are asked to work with area schools. Last year, renowned composer Brian Balmages provided clinics to both area middle school and high school students. Children performed works by Balmages and received insight into the composer’s creations. A once-in-a-lifetime experience! In 2023, our Broadway legends trio will be working with HS theater and choir students. 

FSO In the Schools

As part of a generous grant by the Rappahannock Rotary, FSO musicians come into city schools and provide small group instruction on their instrument. As few of these students take private lessons, this is a unique opportunity to gain traction on their instrument by learning from master performers. 

Pre-Concert School Performances

This year the FSO will feature school groups performing in the lobby from 6:45-7:15. Groups would vary each concert, and these groups would receive mention in the printed program.

FSO Interns

The FSO is proud to initiate a student intern program, bringing a few highly-qualified high school students to sit in with the FSO in rehearsals and a concert. Students will audition for this honor and receive the unique experience of performing in a professional orchestra.  

Middle School string students work with Mr. Balmages in a clinic at James Monroe HS
FSO Concertmaster Robyn Bauer works with James Monroe HS violinists