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Education Resources

Downloadable lesson plans and supplementary materials for educators and families.

Pre-Concert Resources

Downloadable materials and activities to make visiting the SLSO a fun and engaging experience.

  • Introduction to the Orchestra – A fun lesson plan introducing students to the SLSO and teamwork in the orchestra (with accompanying visuals)
  • Introducing the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra – A one sheet with information about the SLSO, including what is an orchestra, musician and conductor
  • Powell Hall History – A fun “I Spy” game to play during your visit to Powell Hall.
  • Know Before You Go – A top ten list for all concert goers, including a few tips on concert etiquette

Supplementary Resources for Digital Education Programs

Tiny Tunes: the Lion and the Mouse

Two unlikely friends—the mighty lion and the little mouse—take us on an adventure that proves even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference. Familiar tunes from Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt bring the story of The Lion and the Mouse to life as students dance and play instruments along with SLSO musicians.

Learn more here.

Tiny Tunes: Giraffes Can’t Dance

Giraffes can’t dance… yet. Learn and grow with Gerald the Giraffe as he overcomes adversity, discovers his talents, and finds music that inspires him to dance. Beloved music from Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals brings the story of Giraffes Can’t Dance to life as students make music with the SLSO.

Learn more here.

Downloadable lesson plans for educators

  • Claire de Lune – Bring to life the sounds of your neighborhood by composing a soundscape.
  • The Composer is Dead – Expand student vocabulary while learning about themes in literature and music through the popular children’s book The Composer is Dead.
  • Enigma Variations – Explore theme and variations with Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations.
  • Hedwig’s Theme – Take flight and explore musical themes with Hedwig’s Theme by John Williams.
  • Juba Dance – Try your hand at the American folk tradition of patting Juba and discover its relationship to Black female composer Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1.
  • Lift Every Voice – Explore the cultural signifigance of Lift Every Voice and Sing, the Black national anthem, and compose your own anthem.
  • Maple Leaf Rag – Follow a listening map and move to Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag to learn traditional Ragtime form.
  • Surprise Symphony – Use creative movement to explore Andante from Joseph Haydn’s Surprise Symphony.
  • The Four Seasons – Explore the four seasons together through music and movement. Then create your own animal and describe how they would survive each of the seasons.
  • Variations on a Shaker Melody – Uncover the musical form – theme and variations – and hone your listening skills with a listening map puzzle.

The SLSO has an entire suite of resources for educators, including learning activities, in-school programs, field trips, professional development, and resources for young musicians.

Learn More