Young People’s Concert FAQ

How do I make reservations?
Seats can be reserved in three different ways:
1. By calling the Columbus Symphony Education Department at (614) 228-9600 ext.1237.  
2. By completing an order form and mailing it to: Columbus Symphony Education Department, 55 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215.
3. By completing an order form and faxing it to the Columbus Symphony Education Department at (614) 224-7273.

I need time to collect money from my students and/or requisition a purchase order. What should I do?
If you are interested in bringing students to one of our Young People’s Concerts, please contact the Columbus Symphony Education Department immediately via one of the three methods mentioned above so we know to expect you.  You do not need payment when initially contacting the Education Department, but because these concerts often sell out, it is helpful to let us know you are coming as soon as possible.  Receipt of payment or purchase order must be made prior to the concert and is absolutely necessary to confirm your reservation.

When will I receive my tickets?
We do not issue individual tickets. However, your group will receive a letter of confirmation within two weeks of receipt of payment or purchase order.

If I need to change or cancel my order at the last minute, what should I do?
Please contact the Columbus Symphony Education Department immediately with any changes to your order.  Additional seating may be purchased depending upon availability, but unfilled seats may not be returned after purchase. Please understand that refunds are not possible for any reason.

Do you have pre-concert educational materials?
Yes. Pre-concert materials for teachers and students are mailed or delivered approximately four weeks before the concert, so please include a street address.

What time should my group arrive at the Ohio Theatre?
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin.

How long will the concert last?
All Young People’s Concerts are approximately one hour long.

Is parking available for buses?
Parking is available at Veteran’s Memorial for $6 per bus. Automobiles may park at the Columbus City Center garage for $3 (three hours or less).

Is the Ohio Theatre handicapped accessible?
Yes. If your group includes students or teachers with physical disabilities, please contact the education department immediately to reserve handicapped seating.

Are my students allowed to bring cameras?
The use of flash photography and other recording devices during the concert is strictly forbidden. However, students may take pictures of the theatre before and after the concert.

My group will need to eat lunch immediately after the concert.  What should I do?
Food and drinks are not permitted in the Ohio Theatre. If your group will be bringing lunches, you will be asked to leave them in the theatre lobby before entering the concert hall.  Space for group lunches is available on the State House lawn or inside City Center Mall.

Backstage with the Symphony

Students in grades 3-8 can experience a unique behind-the-scenes look at the orchestra in rehearsal, as well as a comprehensive tour of the Ohio Theatre led by knowledgeable docents.  This is an opportunity for students to learn about the architecture and history of the Ohio Theatre as well as the history of the Columbus Symphony.
Backstage with the Symphony information PDF

In-School Concerts/Small Ensemble

In-school performances are tailored to different grade levels and bring classical music directly to young people in Columbus communities.

Prices range from $150 for one performer to $1 per student ($1500 minimum fee) for the full orchestra.

For additional information, please contact Debby Rosenthal, Director of Education and Community Outreach at (614) 228-9600 ext. 1281 or drosenthal@columbussymphony.com.

The Linden Project

In this ongoing residency program, Columbus Symphony musicians mentor students in the instrumental program at Linden Elementary and other Columbus Public Schools.  This program may be replicated in additional schools.

For additional information, please contact Debby Rosenthal, Director of Education and Community Outreach at (614) 228-9600 ext. 1281 or drosenthal@columbussymphony.com.

Pathways to Performance

For a student who shows great promise and interest in playing an orchestral instrument, private lessons are the key to developing that talent. Without on-going instruction and practice, there is no way a young student could reach the level of accomplishment of a professional orchestra musician. In order to eliminate the economic hardship of private lessons, the Columbus Symphony has introduced the Pathways to Performance project.

This new program provides free private instrumental instruction by Columbus Symphony musicians, instrument rental, music, and performance opportunity at a year-end recital to talented, low-income students in the Columbus City Schools. The program was initiated at Monroe Alternative Middle School for the 2007-2008 school year.

For more information about this program, please contact Debby Rosenthal, Director of Education and Community Outreach at (614) 221-5703 or drosenthal@columbussymphony.com.

All-City Orchestra for Columbus City Schools

The All-City Orchestra offers talented Columbus City Schools high school students the opportunity to work with professional conductors and coaches in a high quality rehearsal and performance environment. This orchestra program will be modeled after the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO) – members will be selected by audition, students and parents will sign a participation agreement to attend all rehearsals and a concert specified in the 8-week program, students will receive complimentary tickets to Columbus Symphony and CSYO concerts and an All-City orchestra T-shirt. The overall outcome of the All-City Orchestra will be that of recognizing achievements of talented and dedicated young musicians in CCS high schools, providing them with a musically enriching experience and an enhanced understanding of the fine arts academic curriculum concepts, using orchestral music as a vehicle for understanding both musical and non-musical concepts.

The auditions will be held in winter, 2008 for rehearsals to begin in spring.

For more information about this program, please contact Debby Rosenthal, Director of Education and Community Outreach at (614) 221-5703 or drosenthal@columbussymphony.com.