Young People’s
Concerts
In partnership with Carnegie Hall and the Gaillard Center, the Charleston Symphony presents the Link Up series — three different hands-on music programs for students in grades 3-5 that rotate every year.
Register (Groups of 10 or more)About Young People’s Concerts
Carnegie Hall’s Link Up program introduces students in grades 3–5 to the orchestra by inviting them to become a part of it. Students learn to sing and play an instrument in the classroom before performing with the Charleston Symphony in the concert hall.
Each year, one of three programs sets the curriculum: The Orchestra Sings, The Orchestra Moves, or The Orchestra Rocks. Teachers and students receive access to Carnegie Hall’s free educational materials, including instructional guides, concert scripts, and visual materials that support engaging, hands-on musical learning. Through Link Up, students from across the Lowcountry come together to learn about, listen to, and perform great music. Young People’s Concerts take place at the Gaillard Center, and all Title I schools receive free tickets and transportation.
Registered teachers participate in a district-accredited professional development workshop to dive into the Link Up curriculum.
Mandatory YPC Professional Teacher Workshop
Friday, October 11, 2026, 6:00pm-7:15pm at the Gaillard Center
All participating teachers are offered a ticket to attend the CSO’s Masterworks performance “Firebird & Fairy Tales” after the workshop, starting at 7:30pm
March 16 & 17, 2027 at 11:00am
Charleston Gaillard Center
March 18, 2027 at 10:30am & 12:15pm
Summers Corner
$5 ticket / Free for Title I
The Experience
Hear directly from young people and teachers who have participated in Link Up programs.
“I would say I like French fries, but going to the symphony was just as good or maybe better. It was very fun to have the opportunity to play the recorder with you guys.”
- 5th Grader, Whitesides Elementary
“The music was so good I have to give it the award for the best symphony ever.”
- 5th Grader, Whitesides ElementaryOther Education Programs
Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestras
The Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestras enrich the lives of student musicians in our community. Our programs offer multiple concerts, a performance opportunity with our Core 24 musicians, a concerto competition, masterclasses, a chamber music program, and student-centered community events.
Music In Schools
Bring music to your school! When our Core 24 musicians aren’t on stage, they’re regularly performing for students in schools throughout the tri-county region.
Each year from September to April, small ensembles travel to schools across the Lowcountry to perform FREE, 35 to 40-minute concerts for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Each season we feature a series of family-friendly concerts.
With a festive atmosphere, these concerts are a terrific way to connect children to symphonic music and expand their cultural experiences.
Join other families at these light-hearted events that connect kids to community.
Learn More
Intensive professional development. Mentorships. The Charleston Symphony Fellowship gives talented individuals from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in classical music the opportunity to advance their orchestral careers.
At the heart of the Fellowship is a collaborative cohort model that creates tight bonds and provides participants with a network of peers at the beginning of their careers — all in a community-focused learning environment.
Learn More