Youth Education Concerts

The Symphony of Southeast Texas invites you and your students to our annual Youth Education Concert.

The concert “Feel the Energy!” introduces 5th graders to the excitement and variety of orchestral music through the theme of energy in its many forms.

Each piece showcases a unique type of energy, rhythmic, cultural, mechanical, joyful, intellectual, helping students experience music as more than just sound.

The program begins with Mason Bates’ “Toast of the Town”, a modern piece that fuses electronic and orchestral textures, setting an energetic tone. Copland’s “Hoe-Down” brings rhythmic energy to life through syncopation and musical motion that mimics a galloping horse. Carlos Chávez’s “Sinfonía India” explores cultural energy by using indigenous Mexican percussion instruments, offering a window into non-Western musical traditions. The Florence Price “Juba Dance” introduces students to African-American musical heritage through its infectious dance rhythms. Leroy Anderson’s “The Typewriter” adds humor and creativity, showing how even office tools can make music, engaging students with a fun, hands-on demonstration. The Concerto Competition Winner gives young audiences a chance to hear a peer shine, reinforcing that music-making is for all ages. Finally, Britten’s Fugue from “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” illustrates intellectual energy through teamwork, as students hear how different musical lines come together to form a powerful whole.

Altogether, the concert is a fast-paced, accessible journey that connects music to movement, culture, creativity, and collaboration, perfectly designed to spark curiosity and engagement in young listeners.

Although the program is catered to 5th grade TEKS, students of all ages are invited to participate in this concert.

Concert Details:
Date: January 28, 2026
Location: Julie Rogers Theatre – 765 Pearl St. Beaumont, TX 77701
Times: 10 am OR 11:30am

To sign up and reserve tickets, please fill out the following Google Form: SOST Youth Concert Sign-Up Form to reserve your spots.