Family Programs are one of the many ways orchestras can connect with their community through a multi-generational experience. All the following programs serve several goals:
- Have fun while presenting diverse high quality orchestral literature in an accessible and relatable way
- Develop active listening skills
- Deepen relationships with community partners by involving them in the production if possible
Check out the following links to the WSO’s Facebook page. While brief, these media clips provide a general idea of what these concerts can look like.
Postcards Across America
This program will travel across the great American landscape. From the Appalachian Trial to the Pacific Ocean, we will discover the great American outdoors.
Trekking Across Canada
This program will travel across the great true north. From the great forests of B.C. to the Gaspé Bay, we will find what makes Canada so great! This concert can be paired with drone footage of each location and features Canadian folk tunes such as: La Bastringue, Vive la Canadienne, and An Emigrant’s Daughter.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Head down the rabbit hole with a musical re-telling of Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland. This show is a perfect opportunity to collaborate with local acting or musical theatre group. This show features music by Prokofiev and Franck.
Stories for Kids by Kids
This show is a great way to connect with kids in your community. A unique program is created around a story submitted by a kids in your community. This is a perfect opportunity for a partnership with a local dance, acting, or music theater company.
The Busy Beaver
A musical re-telling of Nicholas Oldland’s book the Busy Beaver; a story of the careless beaver who gnaws his way through forest. This book is paired with Tubby the Tuba.
Hockey in the Wild
A Musical re-telling of Nicholas Oldland’s book Hockey in the Wild. Follow the lovable wildlife trio as they wait for the lake to freeze over and play hockey!
Lost in Space
Stuck out in the middle of outer space, this program takes us on an adventure back to Earth. This show features music from Star Wars, Lost in Space, E.T., The Planets and more!
The Cat Came Back
The show features the orchestra accompanying the National Film Board of Canada’s classic film The Cat Came Back. As well as, the cute and often hilarious nature of cats with the opportunity to highlight youth choruses from your community.
Prelude to the Afternoon on a Farm
From a farm to the zoo, we will discover all the wild and crazy animals that live in a symphony orchestra. This show features Saint-Saëns timeless score Carnival of the Animals!
Adventures on the High Seas
Set out on an adventure to find lost treasures. We’ll dodge storms, learn a sea chanty, and encounter some Pirates! This show features music by Wagner, Bloch, and music from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Dinosaurs and Dragons
Take a stroll through dark caves and dense jungles as we explore both mythic and historical creatures! This show features Morton Gould’s Jogger the Dinosaur as well a music from Jurassic Park, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Hobbit.
Wild, Wild West!
Saddle up and get ready to head to the Wild, Wild West. This show features famous western tunes music by Grofe, Williams, Rossini and more.
Little Red Riding Hood
A symphonic re-telling of the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood paired with Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf.
Cityscapes
From freeways, skyscrapers, cathedrals, and opera houses, join the orchestra as we explore busy bustling cities!