CSO Assistant Concertmaster Yuan-Qing Yu instructs Rebecca Vazquez in a master class at Lane Tech High School.

School Partnerships

Building on decades of partnerships with Chicago Public Schools, the CSO-Connect program provides teacher professional development in the area of arts-integration. Participating teachers design curriculum inspired by orchestral repertoire and a yearly theme tied to CSO for Kids school concerts. The program also includes in-school performances by musicians from the Civic Orchestra, a field trip to a CSO for Kids concert, and a culminating event where students share their original musical compositions.

For select schools across the Chicagoland area with band and orchestra programs, partnerships feature coaching and mentorship by CSO and Civic Orchestra, in-school performances, attendance at CSO open rehearsals and more.

All partnerships aspire to build relationships with classical music and a sense of connection to the CSO Association. Partnerships also respond to the unique needs of partner schools and advocate for equitable access to music education.

Interested in becoming a partner? Contact the staff of the Negaunee Music Institute to learn more.

 

 


Explore more on Experience CSO
CPS music educator reflects on his path to teaching, building a community.
Explore more
The Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra has supported educators during remote learning by providing access to CSO Sessions — the CSO’s series of newly filmed chamber-music performances — and arranging online conversations between CSO musicians and students.
Explore more
Students from Chicago Public Schools perform in a culminating video from the 2020-21 CSO-Connect partnerships.
Explore more
As a year of hard work by young musicians and educators comes to an end, the CSO's Negaunee Music Institute celebrates their achievements with a virtual showcase.
Explore more
Music in Our Schools Month celebrated through Strauss and CSO-Connect
Explore more
In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Day, CSO trumpet John Hagstrom recalls the influence of Duane Tutaj, his middle-school band teacher.
Explore more
The CSO-Connect project is at the very heart of our work as Civic Fellows.
Explore more
Youth Education Program Sponsor