The GJSO is passionate about educational programs for the young and young-at-heart and providing as many ways as possible to “Meet The Music”. The Instrument Petting Zoo, Symphony Storytime, Crystal Baton, Concerts in the Classroom, and the Young Artist Competition offer a wide variety of educational opportunities for all ages.
One universal element of music is rhythm. Composers and musicians play with elements of musical time, creating patterns of sound and silence that are expressive and exciting. A consistent groove can unite musicians, singers, and audiences in an experience of listening and performing together. Through the Link Up repertoire, hands-on activities, and a culminating interactive performance with a professional orchestra, we will discover how the orchestra rocks.
“The kids loved it. I had one student who went to the music store that day and his mother purchased him a violin. He is 6 years old and is now taking violin lessons. It was a very positive experience!”
Judy ReddingLife Academy
The delight in watching the eyes of a child light up is priceless—and that is exactly what happens when the Instrument Petting Zoo arrives! Children and students of all ages listen to musicians from the symphony provide a brief explanation and demonstration of instruments of the symphony: woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion. The majority of the time is spent trying out the instruments. The hands-on experience is exciting and gratifying—and is reflected in their reactions when they get sounds out of a trombone, clarinet, violin and more!
Interested in bringing the Instrument Petting Zoo to your school or group? Call the Symphony Office at 243-6787 or contact Executive Director Kelly Anderson via email at kanderson@gjso.org
Program Information
The Grand Junction Symphony prides itself on selecting the finest artists to perform concerti with the orchestra through its Young Artist Competition each year. The instrument chosen for the competition rotates each year between piano, solo instrument, and voice. The 2020-2021 competition is for all orchestral instruments except the piano.
The winner or winners from the final round on March 26, 2021 will be offered an opportunity to perform in the 2021-2022 season as soloist with the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra. Dates, times, and repertoire are TBA depending on the schedules of the soloist and orchestra. If the GJSO is unable to schedule a performance in the 2021-2022 season, we will make every possible arrangement to schedule a performance in 2022-2023.
Compensation
For the competition finalists:
1st prize: $1500
2nd Prize: $750
3rd Prize: $500
Audience Prize: $250
Winner/winners will be offered soloist contracts for the 2021-2022 season.
For the 2021-2022 season, the winner will receive a separate Performance fee TBD, plus travel and hotel.
Fee, performance date, and repertoire to be determined by July 2021.
Prize Money
$3,000
4 prizes
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact Music Director, Charles Latshaw, with any questions.
clatshaw@gjso.org
970-243-6787
To apply, click here.
ARE YOU THE NEXT MOZART?
DO YOU HAVE AN ORIGINAL MELODY STUCK IN YOUR HEAD?
The Crystal Baton Composition Competition is a unique opportunity for elementary and middle school students to compose a simple melody line that will be arranged, orchestrated, and performed by the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra.
STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS COMPETION. 2021 COMPETITION TBA.
Click here to download the application or enter below!
