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Sheena McCall Young People’s Concerts

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s Young People’s Concerts introduce students to the excitement of live orchestral music through an engaging, curriculum-connected performance experience. Designed primarily for students in grades 3–5, these 45-minute concerts combine music, storytelling, audience participation, and visual elements to create a fun and memorable learning opportunity.

Each performance features narration, video projections, props, costumes, and guest artists that help bring the music to life. Participating schools also receive a Teacher’s Guide with lessons and activities aligned with Tennessee State Standards in Social Studies, Geography, and Music Education.

Young People’s Concerts are available to public schools, private schools, and homeschool co-ops throughout East Tennessee. Students in grades 6–8 are also welcome to attend Knoxville performances.

2026 Concert Schedule

KNOXVILLE, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium

Wednesday, October 28 at 9:30 am – CLICK TO REGISTER

Thursday, October 29 at 9:30 am – CLICK TO REGISTER

Thursday, October 29 at 11:00 – CLICK TO REGISTER

Admission: $10.00 per student; $12.00 per teacher/chaperone
*One teacher/chaperone free for every 10 students
*Participating schools are responsible for scheduling transportation

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GREENVILLE, TN – Niswonger Performing Arts Center

November 4 at 9:30 a.m at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center
This performance will only be available for public schools. 

November 4 at 11:00 a.m. at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center
This performance will be available for public schools, private schools, and homeschool co-ops.

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR GREENVILLE PERFORMANCES

Admission for Greenville shows is FREE thanks to a generous sponsorship by the Niswonger Foundation.

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MEET THE MUSICIANS

Participating schools are eligible to request a visit from our “Meet the Musicians” program. CLICK HERE for more information.

  • FALL 2026: About the Program & Teacher Guide

    CARNIVAL!:  Step right up for a musical extravaganza! Join Music Director Aram Demirjian as your ringmaster as the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra transforms the concert hall into a whimsical circus. Featuring Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, this magical adventure brings playful animals, dazzling performers, and enchanting melodies to life under the big top.

    Tennessee Academic Standards and Fine Arts Education Standards addressed by the concert

     

    ✦ 2026 YPC TEACHER GUIDE AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER ✦

  • Sheena McCall Young People's Concerts

    – Imaginative program created for students enrolled in 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade (students in grade 6th through 8th are invited to attend the Knoxville performances)

    – 45-minute concert packed with age-appropriate educational content and audience participation

    – Narration and exciting visual elements, including video projections, props, costumes and guest artists

    – Participating schools will receive a Teacher’s Guide for student preparation prior to attending the performance containing lessons and ideas in Social Studies, Geography, and Music Education that support Tennessee State Standards.

    – Available to all public schools, private schools, and homeschool co-ops across East Tennessee (This does not include the performances in Greeneville.)

    Participating schools are eligible to request a visit from our “Meet the Musicians” program. CLICK HERE for more information.

  • Student Ticket Subsidy Funding

    The Sheena McCall Young People’s Concerts are eligible for the Student Ticket Subsidy (STS) Program: The STS grant program provides funds for tickets and transportation for students from Tennessee public schools to experience a broad variety of cultural opportunities, arts disciplines, and artists.

    You must register in the Tennessee Arts Commission Online Grants System before you can submit a grant. Registration may take between 1-7 days to be approved. Please register prior to any grant opening or deadline to avoid missing a potential funding opportunity. For more information, visit the Tennessee Arts Commission Online Grants System.

    – Schools can request up to $3,000

    – Allocated by county and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

    – eGrant application for Student Ticket Subsidy opens Wednesday, August 12,2026 at 8:00am CT – register in the new Online Grants System

    – Prior to August 12, 2026 – complete YPC/VYPC reservation form to receive a confirmation number by email. This confirmation number will be noted on your grant application. You must complete your reservation BEFORE submitting your grant application.

    – Applications must be received 30 days prior to the concert date (Funds for Knox County are usually depleted within a few days.  It is recommended that you apply on August 12, 8:00 AM.)

    – Funds are distributed directly to schools from the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC). Schools should submit payment to KSO upon receiving funds from TAC.

    For step-by-step instructions on how to complete STS application for Knox County Schools: Information for STS eGrant YPC FY27

    For more information about the Sheena McCall Young People’s Concert, please contact Erin Gonzalez, Education and Community Partnerships Coordinator at [email protected].

Sponsors of the Young People’s Concerts