Santa Maria Philharmonic Society Music Education Programs

Santa Maria Philharmonic Society Music Education Programs include a Music Van program that introduces local third-graders to classical music instruments in small groups of 10 to 15 students. The programs also include Music Van presentations in third-grade classrooms in the Santa Maria Valley, a field trip to a live music performance in the fourth grade, and Children’s Concerts for fourth graders featuring an orchestra performance of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. An annual Youth Showcase event allows young musicians to audition and perform, with demonstrations of each instrument by principal musicians of the orchestra and narrated story performances where each character is represented by an instrument of the orchestra.

• Ages: 8–10 years old

For the past 10 years, the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society has been presenting Children’s Concerts to thousands of fourth graders in the Santa Maria Valley, including a 2015 event where over 2,500 children were bused to a single location for a performance of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. The education programs follow a sequential structure that begins with the Music Van for third-graders and continues with a field trip to a live music performance in the fourth grade. The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society states that it helps fill the gap in children's musical experience by providing unique musical opportunities for children in the valley, and its educational programs are supported by sponsors and grantors. In addition to these education programs, the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society presents classical music concerts each season and special programs for children in the community.

Last updated August 1, 2026.