The FSO Education Initiative
Inspiring the Next Generation
The FSO is an indispensable community leader, partner, advocate, and resource for propelling academic achievement of students in the greater Fredericksburg region.
In Their Own Words
What Students Say
Why It Matters
Arts Education & Academic Achievement
Studies consistently demonstrate that student participation in the arts is linked to academic achievement. Arts education helps to close the achievement gap for low-income students, and even a single field trip to an arts organization strengthens critical thinking skills.
Nationwide, high arts involvement also directly correlates with decreased disciplinary actions and incidence of truancy, increased passing rates, and pursuit of higher education.
FSO Education Events
Our Programs
Lolli-Pops! Family Concerts
In 2025, the FSO added a new concert to its series, geared for children. These concerts are only one hour with no intermission — always fun and entertaining. Kids under 12 are free! Lolli-Pops! also offers pre-concert lobby activities for children and meet-and-greet with the musicians.
Free Concert Tickets
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the FSO provides blocks of free student tickets to our concerts. To date, hundreds of children and parents have enjoyed the magic of FSO symphony concerts — many for the very first time.
Access to Guest Artists
As a demonstration of its commitment to education, all FSO guest artists are asked to work with area schools. Renowned composer Brian Balmages provided clinics to middle and high school students; our Broadway legends trio worked with high school theater and choir students — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
FSO In the Schools
As part of a generous grant by the Rappahannock Rotary, FSO musicians come into city schools and provide small-group instruction on their instrument. As few of these students take private lessons, this is a unique opportunity to gain traction by learning from master performers.
Pre-Concert School Performances
This year the FSO features school groups performing in the lobby from 6:45–7:15. Groups vary each concert, and these young musicians receive mention in the printed program.
FSO Interns
The FSO is proud to initiate a student intern program, bringing highly-qualified high school students to sit in with the FSO in rehearsals and a concert. Students audition for this honor and receive the unique experience of performing in a professional orchestra.
Children on stage with the FSO
“Children enjoying a moment with FSO pianist James Pitts and harpist Anastasia Pike.”
Support Music Education
These programs are made possible by the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our musicians to inspiring the next generation.
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