The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra is deeply committed to music education. Over the years, the Phil has developed a variety of educational programs aimed at encouraging a lifelong love of music.
Click on the link at the bottom of the page to view a video of our programs!
Current programs include:
High School Choral Consortium (HSCC) The High School Choral Consortium is a tuition free chorus for 250 high school choral singers. HSCC is a year-long program that engages students from eight area high schools from across Plymouth County. It is an intensive, year-long program that culminates in a truly inspiring concert experience when the HSCC performs with the Phil’s full orchestra. Offered every other year, the program will be featured in the 2011/12 season.
Music Immersion Program (MIP) Through a partnership with the Plymouth Public Schools, this tri-annual program targets approximately 2,400 students in grades 3, 4, and 5 in Plymouth’s nine elementary schools. The program includes year-long visits to all schools by the Phil musicians and finishes with a free concert performed by the Phil for all students in the Memorial Hall. Offered every three years, the program will be offered in the 2011/12 season.
Bay Youth Symphony (BaYS) An auditioned, sequential youth orchestra program of the South Shore Conservatory in collaboration with the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra. Steven Karidoyanes is the BaYS Artistic Advisor. The senior orchestra of BaYS join the Phil every other year.
Family Concert This fun, family-friendly concert showcases short and lively symphonic works enjoyable to novice ears, yet still pleasing to an experienced audience. The concert is preceded by an hour-long, hands-on instrument demonstration. Children are encouraged to visit each musician, ask questions, and learn about and play the instruments. Tickets are kept at the low price of $8-$20 for all seats to make this performance accessible and affordable to all families.
Children’s Choral Programs In partnership with the Plymouth Public School System, the following tuition free programs are offered to elementary school students.
The Plymouth Children’s Chorus (PCC) A tuition-free ensemble of 125 4th & 5th grade public school students. Choir members are selected in the fall. Rehearsals are held once a week beginning seven weeks prior to the performance. During the first half of the concert all choir members (130) receive a free ticket to sit in the audience.
Federal Furnace School Treble Chorus (FFTC) at Holiday Pops The Federal Furnace Treble Chorus is a 30-member, tuition-free auditioned group of 4th and 5th grade students chosen specifically for the Holiday Pops. It is a magical experience for both the children and the people attending the concert.
“My Music, My Voice” This collaboration with the Old Colony YMCA and its after school child care program challenges students to discuss the role music plays in their lives. After a two week lesson, students create art projects with music as the theme. One student from each grade (K-5) is then selected and given three complementary tickets each to the Family Concert.
Youth Concerto Competion In partnership with the South Shore Conservatory (SSC), the Phil annually hosts the winner of the SSC's Concerto Competition as a featured soloist in the Family Concert.
"Student Rush" and Reduced Ticket Progams Student Rush tickets are available to any full time high school or college student for $5. Offered at all subscription concert, tickets go on sale one hour before each concert and are distributed as available. To ensure that as many people as possible can come to concerts, the Phil has made a conscious effort to keep tickets affordable. Group discounts, $5 off for seniors and $3 off for children are available for every performance.
Community Presentations/ Pre-Concert Talks Throughout the season, Conductor Karidoyanes has guest speaking engagements with area organizations and appearances on local radio and television programs. Prior to each Phil concert, Director Karidoyanes educates the audience about the concert, making the music accessible and understandable to members of all ages.
"Meet the Maestro" This free of charge presentation by Steven Karidoyanes, held in the fall at Plymouth Public Library, is an informative introduction to the season's music and guest artists.
