Explore Music! Programs
Education & Outreach
The Billings Symphony’s Explore Music! education programs and community engagement offerings 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 35,000 per year.
Music heals. Music soothes. Music teaches. Music inspires.
Tutti Behind Walls
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.
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.
Healing Harmonies
A program where Symphony musicians share the healing power of music with patients, visitors, and staff in local hospitals.
Pre-Concert Cues
Watch interviews and presentations by featured guest artists before each Classic Series concert. (Doors open at 6:30PM; concert cues begin at 6:40PM.)
Musical Storytime
Musical Storytime brings stories to life through live music and narration. This program combines children’s books with classical selections, sound effects, and hands-on learning for toddlers and young students.
This project is funded in part by the Montana Arts Council, an agency of the State Government.
Adventures In Music!
The Billings Public Library partners with the Billings Symphony to provide this extensive instrument petting zoo. Children can try any of the large array of instruments while hearing demonstrations from symphony musicians. This annual event includes a special performance for kids of all ages.
Musicians 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.
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.
Young People's Concert
The Billings Symphony is thrilled to be able to welcome Billings area students to the Alberta Bair Theater each season for a free music education experience. Young People’s Concerts are an important element of the Billings Symphony’s educational outreach efforts to engage and inspire young audiences. Each concert is specially designed to encourage 4th & 5th graders to include music as part of their lives.
Maestra in Schools
Anne Harrigan, Billings Symphony's Vincent W. & Janet M. Carpenter Music Director, visits school orchestras to provide musical expertise to ensembles.
Master Classes & Clinics
Learn from Symphony Musicians and visiting Guest Artists as they share experiences and provide guidance to students and other musicians in an open setting. These free teaching sessions take place several times each season. The public is invited to watch seasoned artists enable students refine certain elements of their craft.
Symphony in the Park
Since 1972 the Billings Symphony has provided this outdoor musical experience for all to attend. The most anticipated summer event in Eastern Montana where you can unwind to an evening of beautiful music beneath the Big Sky. Attendees enjoy activities such as the popular Kids’ Conducting Contest, an instrument “petting zoo,” face painting, ice cream, and a variety of food trucks and beverage vendors.
For Educators
The Billings Symphony works closely with area music educators to provide recruitment videos, section coaching, free dress rehearsal attendance, and instrument demonstrations.
EXPLORE MUSIC! PROGRAMS ARE PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
