Our Education Programs
Youth Orchestras
Summer Music Camps
Musician Makers Scholarships
Musically Speaking
A Love of Music
Young musicians in our rural communities have fewer opportunities to connect with professional musicians and grow their skills than students in larger metropolitan areas. We offer a host of meaningful education programs for students of all ages to learn about music and train as performers as part of our professionally led and supported programs.
Musician Makers Scholarships
The San Juan Symphony Musician Makers Scholarship provides opportunities for young artists to access private and semi-private music lessons who otherwise may not have the opportunity.
“Inside the Orchestra” School Concerts
Our Inside the Orchestra school concerts invite students to experience the excitement of live symphonic music up close. Designed especially for young audiences, these interactive performances introduce 4th graders to the instruments, sounds, and stories of the orchestra—igniting curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
“Inside the Orchestra” concerts will take place October 6th, 2025 in Farmington and April 13th, 2026 in Durango.
SJS Youth Orchestras
The San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestras are audition-based ensembles that provide training in the full orchestra experience. Both the advanced Youth Orchestra and introductory Junior Orchestra cater to serious music students with a passion for playing. Students devote themselves to weekly rehearsals and individual practice to improve their skills and connect with a supportive community of their peers.
Summer Music Camps
The SJS supports the musical education of students of all ages each summer. These camps include the Discovering Music Young Musicians Camp, the Durango Chamber Music Academy, and “String Prelude” Back To School Strings Camp in Farmington. The Camps impact hundreds of students of all ages, and the community has an opportunity to hear a variety of performances by these budding musicians-in-training.
Family Concert & Instrument Petting Zoo
This annual event in both Durango and Farmington offers an accessible and engaging symphonic experience for all ages and is presented at the reduced cost of $5 for all tickets thanks to generous sponsors.
The pre-concert Instrument Petting Zoo provides hands-on musical exploration, while the concert itself introduces young listeners to classical music in a fun and interactive way.
Musically Speaking
The “Musically Speaking” lecture series offers an opportunity to learn from the perspectives of Music Director Thomas Heuser. Prior to each Symphony concert weekend, Dr. Heuser provides a free 1-hour lecture that provides context for the upcoming performances. These free events are an engaging way to deepen the experience of the live performance experience.
“Seats for Students”
Thanks to the generous support of Coca-Cola Durango, the Seats for Students program provides free tickets for students to attend Symphony performances in Durango and Farmington. By removing financial barriers, this program helps young people experience the excitement of live orchestral music and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
To reserve Coca-Cola student tickets, call the box office in Durango or Farmington and ask for “Free Coca-Cola Tickets”
Durango Community Concert Hall: 970.247.7657
Farmington Henderson Performance Hall: 505.566.3430
For the community, by the community.
San Juan Symphony thanks you for your support.
Join Our Newsletter &
Never Miss a Beat
