Classics 4 Kids

Classics 4 Kids offers orchestra concerts, in-school assemblies, residencies, and virtual music education programs. Its offerings also include Salsa With Sabrosas Combo, Super String Trio, Rockin’ Brass Trio, Música de Mariachi, STEAM: Pattern Play Trio, the Ukulele Teaching Residency Program, and Scout Music Workshops.

Programs

• Orchestra Concerts — TK through 8th grade students · Professional orchestra concerts for TK through 8th-grade students.
• In-School Assemblies — TK through 8th grade students · In-school music education assemblies for TK through 8th-grade students.
• Residencies — TK through 8th grade students · Music education residencies for TK through 8th-grade students.
• Virtual Programs — TK through 8th grade students · Virtual music education programs for TK through 8th-grade students.
• Salsa With Sabrosas Combo — Pre-K - 8 · 45-minute in-school assembly.
• Super String Trio — Pre-K - 8 · 45-minute in-school assembly.
• Rockin’ Brass Trio — Pre-K - 8 · In-school 45-minute assembly.
• Música de Mariachi — Assembly; limited availability.
• STEAM: Pattern Play Trio — Pre-K - 8 · In-school 45-minute assembly.
• Ukulele Teaching Residency Program — Hands-on ukulele teaching residency program.
• Scout Music Workshops — Interactive music workshop designed for Scout groups.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–14 years old
• Current session: Paint It Mariachi (Nov 3–Nov 4, 2026); Sound + Color = STEAM – VIRTUAL (Jan 27–Feb 26, 2027); From the Page to the Stage LIVE (Mar 9–Mar 12, 2027); Symphony in the Wild (May 11–May 14, 2027); ‘Ohana in Harmony – VIRTUAL (Apr 7–May 7, 2027)
• General schedule: In-school assemblies are 45 minutes long. Orchestra concert field trips and virtual concerts are open to every school countywide. On-campus programming is generally limited to schools within about 40–50 miles of downtown San Diego.

About the provider

Classics 4 Kids was founded in 1994 and serves San Diego County students. It is a 501c3 organization and a San Diego Unified School District-approved vendor with a Professional Services Agreement. The leadership team includes Kiran Shelat, Executive Director; Dana Zimbric, Artistic Director and Conductor; Corrine Huber, Program Manager; and Kelly Makley, Development Manager. The program states that it reaches over 40,000 students, teachers, and families across hundreds of schools, and that over 72% of these students represent under-resourced elementary schools.

Programs are open to all students, teachers, and families regardless of socio-economic status, with a focus on serving under-resourced students. Aligns with California Arts Standards and incorporates Social-Emotional Learning. Still photography is permitted for assemblies, but no videos. Payment is due in full on or before the day of assembly(ies).

What families say

“Thank you for representing other cultures. My students felt represented, valued, and seen.” — Teacher at an under-resourced San Diego County school

“Many students served by schools like mine have never been exposed to live music. Classics 4 Kids’ offer to cover transportation expenses and tickets at a reduced price opens doors to experiences that would not be possible without such support.” — Teacher at an under-resourced San Diego County school

Last updated October 9, 2026.