Our Education Programs

Youth Orchestras
Summer Music Camps
Musician Makers Scholarships

Musically Speaking

YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION

FAMILY CONCERT & INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOOS

INSIDE THE ORCHESTRA

SEATS FOR STUDENTS

A little girl tries to play a trombone being held by a teacher

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 learners of all ages to experience music and train as performers as part of our professionally led and supported programs.

2026 SJS Young Artist Competition

The SJS Young Artist Competition showcases instrumental music students from across the Four Corners region.

Featuring Junior (ages 10–15) and Senior (ages 15–22) Divisions, the competition offers students an opportunity to perform in a live Finalists Recital, with the Senior Division winner earning a debut performance live with the San Juan Symphony in concert in February of 2027.

Registration due October 1, 2026. 

 

PROGRAM GUIDELINES
REGISTRATION FORM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Poster for Young Artist Competition, presented by the San Juan Symphony, with dark blue silhouette of two performers—a guitarist on the left and a violinist on the right—against a starry teal background; gold curved-arc logo in the bottom-right corner.

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.
Learn More
A large group of orchestra students posed for a portrait on stage
Orchestra of string musicians on stage raising bows mid-performance.

“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 5th, 2026 in Farmington and April 5th, 2027 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.
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Full orchestra on a wood-paneled concert hall stage, conductor at center, musicians with strings and brass, audience in the foreground.

Summer Music Camps

The SJS supports the musical education of students of all ages each summer. These camps include the Durango Chamber Music Academy and “String Prelude” Back To School Strings Camp in Farmington. The Camps impact students of all ages, and the community has an opportunity to hear a variety of performances by these budding musicians-in-training.

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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.
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“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

 

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