Community & Classroom

Year-round Classroom & Community Programs

The North State Symphony’s community engagement programs bring the joy of classical music to local classrooms, retirement communities, and other locations throughout the community such as farmer's markets, street fairs, libraries, museums, planetariums and more.  We encourage those of all ages to LISTEN, PLAY, and ENGAGE with us as we explore the fascinating world of classical music together.

“My passion for classical music started in childhood after a chance exposure to orchestral music. Young people need more ways to engage with and enjoy the symphony, and build the foundation for a lifetime of appreciation.”

— Scott Seaton, NSS Music Director

LISTEN

A single impression can trigger a young person’s lifelong love of classical music, whether or not they play an instrument.

Youth Concerts: The North State Symphony entertains, educates and inspires young people at annual children’s concerts in Chico, Red Bluff and Redding. Programs are specially designed to entertain, educate, and inspire young people's love of classical music.

Musician In-School Demonstrations (On Location): During the symphony season, Music Director Scott Seaton and NSS musicians visit local classrooms and retirement communities, giving students and our senior citizens an opportunity to listen, ask questions and interact with professional musicians up-close. Request an NSS Musician or Ensemble visit to your school or retirement community in the North State.

Student Vouchers to NSS Concerts: Experience NSS in concert with discount student vouchers. Once your student or child has seen a Youth Concert or In-School Demonstration, we bet they'll be raring to come to one of our full-length concerts! We offer student discounts for all regular season concerts, and select special performances.

PLAY

Side-By-Side Concerts: There’s nothing like playing on stage with a talented group of professional musicians. NSS partners with North State youth orchestras to give aspiring musicians the unique experience of playing alongside our professional musicians in our public concerts.

ENGAGE

Mastery is its own reward! Perform with musicians of the North State Symphony.

In-School Music Masters: NSS showcases many world-renowned soloists each year. In-School Music Masters brings these outstanding musicians into local schools to mentor advanced students in exclusive master classes.

Young Artist Auditions: Our annual Young Artist Auditions encourages high school and college music students to pursue careers as professional musicians by giving the most talented of them the experience of performing as a soloist in a NSS concert. Co-sponsored by the Chico Guild and Symphony League of Redding, cash prizes are also awarded.