Aside from our public orchestral and chamber concerts, orchestra members make an impact with audiences – young and old! – throughout the community:
Groups of 6-10 orchestra members play 30- to 45-minute programs in Preschools, Elementary Schools, Libraries, and HeadStart programs. These interactive programs focus on the families of instruments in the orchestra through familiar songs that kids can sing along to. If you are interested in scheduling one of these concerts for a student group, please email us!.
"This was a real treat! It was a great length for the children and the conductor kept them engaged the whole time. They learned a lot in a short time." ~ Preschool Teacher
Begun in partnership with the Howard County School System, these full orchestra concerts are presented during the school day for third graders across the county. Read more about these fun, interactive programs here.
In addition to our chamber series at Christ Episcopal Church, musicians perform recitals at retirement communities, hospitals, and other non-traditional venues. These are often perfect for people who cannot attend our public concerts – we come to them! Please contact our office if you are interested in presenting a group at your location.
Over the years, we have partnered with a number of other organizations on orchestral concerts that have allowed us both to reach a wider audience than we might alone. Collaborations have included American Film Institute of Silver Spring, The Inner Arbor Trust, “Gospel Goes Classical,” the McDaniel College Choir and the McDaniel Gospel Choir, the M.U.S.E. Foundation (working with the members of John Denver’s band), the Goddard Space Center, and many more. Please contact our office if you would like to explore a partnership opportunity.
Edward Shields III
Center Director, Dasher Green Head Start
Howard County Center for the Arts
8510 High Ridge Road
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: 410.465.8777
Email: info@columbiaorchestra.org