Other Education Programs

Our school programs go beyond just attending concerts. We have two unique programs that give students the opportunity to see a how a symphony concert happens the behind-the-scenes.

Symphony @ Work

Grades 7 & 8 and High School

This program is offered to students in grades 7, 8, and high school. Each group tours the KWS facilities located in the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts at 36 King Street West in downtown Kitchener. Please limit the visiting group size to 50 participants.

Students attend a portion of a KWS rehearsal and take a guided tour to interview a range of people behind the scenes. They'll get a glimpse of the wide range of distinct careers in the arts performance field - which correlates to nearly all profit and not for profit organizations. Curriculum Connection: arts (music); information technology; business; and marketing.

This program enables students to investigate many distinct career areas, such as Conductor, Musician, Lighting Technician, Building Manager, Stage Production, Librarian, Marketing, Development (Fundraising), Education and Community Programs, Personnel Manager, and General Manager.

During the tour, students can interact with each of these specialists, listen to them describe their jobs, and ask them questions. Prior to their visit, the class will receive supplementary materials with information about the KWS, the concert hall and all the people involved.

For more information, please contact schools@kwsymphony.on.ca or 519 745 4711 x 390

Workshops and Masterclasses

The KWS works with our Youth Orchestra Program members, high schools and universities to offer workshops and master classes that feature KWS guest artists and KWS musicians. Past examples of this include a fiddling workshop with fiddler Pierre Schryer, a master class with violinist Soovin Kim and a high school workshop with bluegrass trio Time for Three.

Unlocking the Music

The KWS provides informative presentations that connect the public to the music being performed at KWS concerts, and to classical music appreciation in general. The "Prelude" presentations prior to each Signature concert are an example. Unlocking the Music can take a variety of formats and be presented in various locations throughout the region.

High School Music Programs Partnership

We have several programs for high schools, including mentorship with music students and their teachers within the schools. There are also opportunities to see a KWS rehearsal and meet the musicians.

For more information, please contact schools@kwsymphony.on.ca or 519 745 4711 x 390