North Carolina Symphony: What Makes Music, Music?

For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Symphony’s Education Concerts have inspired generations of students through one of the nation’s most extensive symphony education programs. Designed for students in grades 3-5, these concerts introduce the instruments of the orchestra while exploring the fundamental elements of music through an interactive and engaging live concert experience. The 2026/27 Education Concert, What Makes Music, Music?, invites students to discover how melody, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, texture, and form shape the music they hear. Featuring works by Mozart, Strauss, Joplin, and more, the program introduces students to a variety of musical styles and demonstrates how composers creatively use the elements of music in each piece. Educators are encouraged to take advantage of the North Carolina Symphony’s free curriculum-aligned teacher resources and transportation funding opportunities to help make this field trip experience accessible and meaningful for every student. Note: A special performance featuring Hayes School of Music musicians will take place later the same evening at 7:30pm as part of the Appalachian Arts 2026/2027 series. The evening performance is free; bring the whole family! Visit schaefercenter.appstate.edu/events for ticket information.