Youth & Family Concerts
The Des Moines Symphony invites Central Iowa fourth and fifth graders to experience the power and beauty of a full symphony orchestra at a specially designed Youth Concerts each year.
Our 2025 Youth Concerts will be presented at the Des Moines Civic Center on Tue Mar 4 at 10:00am and Wed Mar 5 at 10:00am. Registered Educators and their students will receive an online concert package including lesson plans, a Teacher's Resource Guide and instrument demonstrations to help prepare students for their upcoming concert experience.
Admission is $3.50 per person.
Concert Program
ROSSINI Finale from the William Tell Overture
Peter HAMLIN Symphony on a Stick
John WILLIAMS Music from Harry's Wondrous World
The Des Moines Symphony Academy offers hands-on experiences for children ages 3 and up at area schools and community libraries through our Instrument Petting Zoos. This fun and interactive introduction to a stringed instrument lasts 45 minutes and is designed for up to 15-20 children to participate at one time. These experiences are offered around the Des Moines Metro.
During the Petting Zoo, children will explore the following:
- Listening to the difference between stringed instruments
- Exploring the different parts of the violin & cello
- Learning about the instrument’s sounds and dynamics
Their hands-on experience will include:
- Introductory time on the violin & cello
- Bowing all four strings
- Holding the violin & cello on their own
For further questions or to schedule an Instrument Petting Zoo, please contact Michele Senger, at michele@dmsymphony.org.
