On Wednesday, April 13, at 1:00 p.m. in the Helena Civic Center, the Helena Symphony Orchestra will perform its
annual youth concert for fourth and fifth grade students from regional elementary schools. In addition to the
elementary schools from the Helena School District, students from St. Andrew School, Boulder Elementary, Radley
Elementary School in East Helena, and Avon will be attending this concert for fourth and fifth graders.
In addition to the support from all the attending schools, the Symphony is grateful for the generous support from the
Helena School District, the Helena Music Teachers Association, Helena Orthodontics, Jimmy John’s Sandwiches, Town
Pump Charitable Foundation, Humanities Montana, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. “For many
students, this will be their first opportunity to experience a live performance of classical music,” explains Director of
Patron Services Scott Kall.
This year the Helena Symphony is partnering with the internationally acclaimed Classical Kids Live Symphony Concert
Series to present Beethoven Lives Upstairs. This production inspires audiences with more than twenty-five musical
excerpts from Beethoven’s most impactful and inspiring works. These masterpieces are woven into the drama as two
professional actors share anecdotes and observations based on true occurrences of Beethoven’s life, told through a child’s
point of view.
“From actors, costumes, lighting, and the orchestra musicians, this is a wonderfully educational, fun, and entertaining
concert for students, and we are thrilled to continue the Symphony’s educational efforts,” explains Music Director Allan
R. Scott. “The Youth Concert programs are designed specifically for the music education of fourth and fifth graders. The
Youth Concert also seeks to make a lasting impact on the fourth and fifth grade students before they enter middle school
where they hopefully will participate in orchestra, band, or chorus, and in many ways, this concert is one of the last
experiences the fourth and fifth graders will have before deciding to take up an instrument.”
“The evidence is clear,” explains Maestro Scott, “in that a child who plays an instrument is not merely a well-rounded
individual, but a person that learns self-confidence, self-expression, and embraces a value system which understands the
importance of music and the arts as they progress through life. With the help of so many generous organizations, schools,
and individuals, the Helena Symphony can ensure we continue to help raise the children in our community. This is so
much more than a concert.”