Explore Music! Programs

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Education & Outreach

The Billings Symphony’s Explore Music! community engagement programs reach beyond the stage and into the communities in and around Billings. Our free programs spread the love and joy of music to everyone, serving over 20,000 per year.

Music heals. Music soothes. Music teaches. Music inspires.

Symphony in the Schools
Symphony in the Schools

Symphony in the Schools

This exciting program gives school-aged children the opportunity to work alongside the professional musicians of the Billings Symphony. Maestra Anne Harrigan conducts area school bands and orchestras, while the Symphony musicians tell their stories of what it is like to be a professional musician in Montana.

School Concert for Stillwater and Carbon County
School Concert for Stillwater and Carbon County

Community Partnerships

Maestra Anne Harrigan and musicians visit local civic and cultural organizations, the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, The Friendship House, and more, to share the joys of symphonic music with everyone.

Programs for Adults
Concert Cues

Programs for Adults

You’ve purchased your concert tickets … now double the value and pleasure of your Symphony experience by taking advantage of these wonderful presentations ahead of the concert.

Symphony for Seniors
Kathy Griffin and friends perform

Symphony for Seniors

This amazing program provides music for our greatest generation. By visiting local nursing homes, senior meal sites, memory care units and assisted living facilities, Symphony musicians are able to help enrich residents’ lives through music.

Adventures in Music
Young player at Adventures in Music instrument petting zoo

Adventures in Music

The Billings Public Library hosts this extensive instrument petting zoo the morning of our FREE Family Concert. Children can try any of the large array of instruments while hearing demonstrations from Symphony musicians. We also hold AiM at other locations, such as towns in Wyoming, Carbon and Stillwater counties, Sidney, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Boys & Girls Clubs, Senior homes, and Symphony in the Park.

Symphony in the Park in Sidney, Montana
Symphony in the Park in Sidney, Montana

Rural Rhythms

Billings Symphony musicians perform for residents in rural communities, many who are unable to make the drive to Billings for our concerts. Communities visited range from Roundup to Sidney to Sheridan (Wyoming) to Harlowton.

Guitar classes at the Montana Women's Prison
Guitar classes at the Montana Women's Prison

Symphony in the Prison

This weekly guitar class at the Montana Women’s Prison provides hands-on music education. Inmates learn many life skills to assist them during and after their incarceration. The Symphony also provides instrument petting zoos and quarterly concerts within the prison.

Beckett Koch and Ana Strong, Billings Symphony interns
Beckett Koch and Ana Strong, Billings Symphony interns

For Student Musicians

The Billings Symphony offers a host of experiences for student musicians ranging from internships and performance opportunities to master classes and competitions. Check back later for more details.

Tim Marrone and NOVA students with the Symphony
Tim Marrone and NOVA students with the Symphony

For Educators

Information on signing up for Explore Music! outreaches and a teacher's guide for school concerts. Check back later for more details.