Feb. 7, 2023, As a community-focused arts organization, the Savannah Philharmonic is excited to introduce the orchestra to all fifth-grade students in the Chatham County Public School System. 

Two concerts will be offered at the Johnny Mercer Theatre on the morning of Thursday, February 9, and they are designed to highlight different sections of the orchestra in order to encourage students to become part of an instrumental ensemble when they graduate to the next grade.

“This moment of watching kids experience and orchestra for the first time is so much of what our mission is about at the SavPhil,” states Executive Director Amy Williams. “I remember the impact it had on me as a kid and how it shaped my decision to follow a career in classical music. It’s going to be a magical day at the Johnny Mercer Theatre.”

The concerts will give students the opportunity to hear each instrument of the orchestra play individually and then together with the whole philharmonic.

The concerts are organized by SavPhil’s Education and Community Initiatives Manager, Brad Behr. Following the performances Dr. Behr will travel to each participating school to help guide students through the organization’s Musical Safari Program with the support of local music educators, providing hands-on experience with the instruments they just watched on stage in their very own classroom.

“Ultimately, our goal is to inspire a love of music in the young people of Savannah,” shares Dr. Behr. “You never know who might respond to the sound of a tuba or a violin or timpani. We just want to invite our students to see what’s possible and let them know we’re here to be a resource for them should they choose to further explore musical performance. Maybe one day a member of the audience could grow up to be on stage with us as a member of the orchestra!”

Other music education programs provided by the Savannah Philharmonic include: Musical Storytime with Live Oak Libraries, Musical Horizons with Horizons Savannah, The Ben Tucker Instrument Library, the SavPhil All-Star Ensemble and community performances throughout the region. 

To learn more about the SavPhil’s 15th Anniversary Season, please visit: savannahphilharmonic.org.