Lansing Symphony Orchestra Announces the Return of LSO Kids

The Lansing Symphony Orchestra has announced the return of LCO Kids, an online music education program hosted by LSO Education and Outreach Coordinator Ashleigh Lore.

Lore started the program last spring to introduce children to LSO musicians and their instruments. Lore hosted taped video interviews with musicians who shared insights into their instrument and their personal experiences as music professionals. The videos were uploaded onto YouTube and the LSO website. The links were also sent to educators to complement any music education that children may receive in school or at home.

“It allows kids an opportunity to learn about all the unique instruments,” Lore said. “They can hear what the instruments sound like and learn from a professional musician what makes the instrument special. I thought a few teachers might like to use the educational videos, but what I found is teachers as far away as Albuquerque, New Mexico, Seattle, Washington and New York City were using it in their classrooms. It’s really taken off.”

The LSO plans to release 10 new LSO Kids videos that can be used if students are learning virtually or in the classroom. The first lesson, released March 16, is with LSO musician and percussionist Matthew Beck. Other lessons include:

• March 23: cellist Stefan Koch
• March 30: principal clarinetist Guy Yehuda
• April 6: principal trombonist Ava Ordman
• April 13: composer in residence Patrick Harlin (part 1)
• April 20: composer in residence Patrick Harlin (part 2)
• April 27: principal keyboardist Patrick Johnson
• May 4: principal bassist Ed Fedewa
• May 11: bassoonist Michael Kroth
• May 18: principal tubist Phil Sinder

LSO Kids is available at no cost, enabling teachers to easily incorporate it into their curriculum and make it accessible to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The LSO will reach a larger audience that may not have been able to attend an in-person concert in the past, helping to expand the LSO’s impact across the community and state.

LSO Kids is funded by the PNC Foundation.

For more information on LSO Kids, visit LansingSymphony.org or call the LSO office at (517) 487-5001.