The Amherst Symphony Orchestra has always considered music education and outreach an important component of its mission as a community orchestra. When ASO musicians present a program for students (usually third graders), they share with those students their life stories.

ASO members offer a variety of musical abilities and achievements. Their devotion to their music is a labor of love! Some members have careers in the music field as performers and teachers. Other players work as doctors, pharmacists, engineers, students, seniors, lawyers, and members of the clergy. Monday night rehearsals and Sunday evening concerts become times for these volunteers to make satisfying music and lifelong friendships.

The interest in developing children’s love of listening and interest in playing has led the ASO to implement a program of school visitations throughout Western New York. For many students, this is their first formal exposure to orchestral instruments and people who play for their own enjoyment. At these programs, more than a dozen ASO musicians individually demonstrate their instruments (and cultivate student interaction) and tell their stories of how they became interested in music, who inspired and guided them in their studies, when they started lessons, etc. Students quickly respond to the joy that the ASO members bring to these demonstrations and it becomes obvious to them that having music in their lives can bring them the same pleasure and friendship.

ASO has also collaborated with student ensembles such as the Buffalo Performing Arts Academy Elementary Choir , Western New York Children’s Chorus, Bel Canto Choir, and choirs and instrumental ensembles
from area schools.....Two such groups which have performed with us are: The Hamburg High School Concert Choral, under the direction of Norman Zogaib, and The Buffalo Performing Arts Academy Choir, Frank Scinta, director.

Past school performances include presentations at St Leo’s, Akron Central High School, Windemere Elementary, Smallwood Elementary, Maple East Elementary, Christian Central Academy, Dodge Road Elementary, Futures Academy Buffalo, Kadimah School in Getzville, Build Academy in Buffalo, St. Joseph School in University Heights area, and this year’s mentored school is Heritage Heights in Sweet Home School District.