Symphonies for Schools
Each year, the LA Phil presents Symphonies for Schools: an exciting, in-person concert experience for students from throughout Los Angeles. We have offered these free concerts to hundreds of thousands of children since our first season in 1919. The century-long tradition is returning to Walt Disney Concert Hall this season.
Have a question? Email us at learning@laphil.org.
2023 In-Person Program
The in-person program includes free admission to a concert performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall for music students in grades 6-12.
Do you need financial assistance with transportation?
The LA Phil has a limited amount of funding available for bus grants. Should you require financial assistance with transportation, please fill out this form.
The application period is now closed.
Elementary Schools
Igor Stravinsky's The Firebird Suite (1919)
Tuesday, March 14
Wednesday, March 15
Based on a classic Russian folktale, Igor Stravinsky’s ballet The Firebird is full of magic and romance. It tells the story of the handsome Prince Ivan, his beautiful princess Katerina, and the magical firebird that saves them from the evil King Kaschei. These performances will feature a full performance of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite set to dance.
Secondary Schools
Find Your Voice with Kris Bowers
Thursday, March 16
Friday, March 17
Through music, conversations, and film, students embark on an artistic journey that explores the stories, experiences, and moments of inspiration that helped artists to find their voice, and teaches us how to find ours.
2022 Digital Program
Register here to get access to this year's online Symphonies for Schools experience. This flexible, immersive experience includes elementary and secondary level curricula to accompany two on demand original concert videos.
Access links will be emailed to you
All materials are designed to be flexible for use in online, in-person, or asynchronous learning environments. This experience is available to schools, teachers, families, and youth from around the world at no cost.
Elementary Schools
Music & Deafness
A filmed episode for youth in grades 3–6 about Deafness, Deaf culture, and Deaf artists, framed around Beethoven’s experience with Deafness with a repertoire that includes music by Beethoven, Caroline Shaw, and Gabriela Lena Frank.
Please register via the button above to access this video and lesson plan.
Secondary Schools
Power to the People
For students in grades 6–12, this filmed concert celebrates the musicians and artists who help unite people around shared values and aspirations, who teach us how to find our voice, and who use theirs to preserve the dignity and rights of all people.
Please register via the button above to access this video and lesson plan.
To download curricula from past Symphonies for School concerts, visit our Learning Resources page.
FAQs
How long will these concerts and activities be available?
Materials will be available for one year after they premiere.
Carnival of the Animals and the elementary curriculum will be available until March 4, 2022.
Pan-American Musical Feast and the secondary curriculum will be available until March 18, 2022.
Is there a limit to the number of teachers or students who can use this resource?
No, this resource is free and accessible to any school, teacher, family, or youth at no cost. However, registration is required. Register here.
What is included in the Hollywood Bowl Digital Field Trip?
The Hollywood Bowl Field Trip includes behind-the-scenes tour videos, a self-guided exploration of our Hollywood Bowl History page, and a creative design challenge for all ages.
What is included in the elementary and secondary lesson plans?
Each module contains a concert video and three lesson plans including discussion prompts and downloadable PDF student worksheets.
Do the SFS Lesson Plans meet California Arts Standards?
Yes, each SFS module will include a description of the standards met for each lesson.
What is Sound/Stage?
Sound/Stage is a free online concert series produced by LA Phil Media, the media and digital initiatives arm of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. Featuring classical, jazz, and popular artists, the series brings the LA Phil’s musical offerings to the screen, along with interviews, playlists, and program notes that shed new light on each episode’s theme. Created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the series is filmed at the Hollywood Bowl, where musicians are able to perform together outside while socially distanced.
I have an accessibility request.
Please reach out to us at learning@laphil.org with the details of your request, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs!
I have a question on curriculum or an issue with the website.
Please reach out to us at learning@laphil.org.