Concerts for Youth

“Swing” is many things. It’s a distinctive rhythmic feel; a musical era dominated by big band jazz; a style of dance that grew alongside the music; and that elusive but unmistakable feeling that results when musicians are deeply tuned into each other and playing in sync, or “in the pocket.” Though swing is characteristically associated with jazz, an orchestra can also swing. Through the Carnegie repertoire, hands-on activities, and a culminating interactive performance with your Omaha Symphony, we will explore the elements, people and places that contribute to that magical moment when the Omaha starts to swing.

The innovative tradition of Margre Durham’s Concerts for Youth continues with seamless integration of music and academic curriculums, dazzling visual media, and engaging interactive structures that are adaptable to body percussion, singing or playing along. This concert is presented in collaboration with Carnegie Hall's Weill School of Music as part of their Link Up program.

Curriculum, professional development, and continued support will be provided to all educators implementing this program.

• "Recorder Mae and the Giant Swing Machine" (NEW!)
• "Duke's Place"
• "I Got Rhythm"
• "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got that Swing)
• "When the Saints Go Marching In"

Educator Resource Page Coming Soon!

September 2, 2024 • 6:00 – 7:15 pm
Holland Center

We invite you to a networking session with fellow music educators. The lead teacher and symphony education teams will be there to answer any questions you may have about this year's concert. Join us for refreshments and conversation and stay for Omaha Symphony’s performance featuring incredible pianist/composer Conrad Tao play his Concerto for Piano and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

New this year: All curriculum support will be pre-recorded for reference as you need it.

“The best experience of my life!”
–Omaha, NE Student

“This program and its resources have had a DIRECT impact on our instrumental music programs. Students' reading levels are quite a few pages ahead in the books at the same time of year as other schools who do not participate in this program.”

–Omaha, NE Educator

“The song selections were great and very age appropriate!! As we left, one 4th grade boy said, 'I didn't know it, but I love the symphony!!' Thank you for all you do to give our students this experience.”
-Blair, NE Educator

Nebraska Standards for Education:
Music: FA 5.4.1-3, FA 8.4.1-3
Social Studies: 3.3.1, SS 5.4.2, SS 5.4.3, 6.3.1, 6.3.4

Iowa Core Standards:
Fine Arts Alignment, General Music: 1 – 7
Social Studies: SS 4.10, SS 4.21, SS 4.22, SS 5.9, SS 5.19, SS 6.14