This is no ordinary fall for the Rapides Symphony.  In addition to the normal run-up to the beginning of the concert season, we will also be launching our Rapides Symphony Community Music School, a really exciting program for the Symphony and our community.   The RSO Community Music School is designed to serve students of all ages, interests and diverse backgrounds by providing excellence in music education.   Ultimately the school will grow into a comprehensive program that will offer a broad range of musical opportunities for children and adults, but we will start with just a few group classes:

• Music Together Early Childhood Music Instruction (ages 1-4) – Designed for children through age four, these classes offer family-style learning environment that includes singing, movement, and listening for child and parent.

• Beginning Violin Instruction (ages 4-8) – The class will use the internationally known Suzuki method of instruction.  It is based on the philosophy and teaching of the late Japanese educator Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, in which young children learn to play the violin the same way they learn to speak – by listening, imitating and repeating sounds.

• Seniors Music and Wellness (ages 65 +) – Designed for Central Louisianians 65 and older, this class will emphasize singing, listening and movement in a lively social atmosphere.

The Community Music School is a very exciting step for the Symphony, one that we think will have a remarkably positive impact on our community for decades to come.   If you are interested in enrolling in any of these classes or would like more information, please contact us at the symphony office at (318) 442-9709.

Also, don’t forget about our annual “Pops on the River” concert which will take place on Saturday night, September 11th at 7:30pm at the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater.   This year’s special guest will be a legendary figure on the New Orleans scene, pianist Ronnie Kole.  You can either purchase special table seating or come with a blanket, some food and drink and sit on the levee to enjoy the concert. 

To purchase a table for 10 of your closest friends, call the office at (318) 442-9709, ext. 2 otherwise the concert is free and open to the public.   Hope to see you all there!