Education and outreach programs are one of the most important elements that allow the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra to affect the Ann Arbor community culturally. The goal for the orchestra is to be able to reach out to as many young artists as possible. Because of the stereotype, statistics and history of classical music, the audience mainly come from the upper class and from the “well-educated”.  To minimize these assumptions and change the past, the programs were started. They are available for children to young adults of all ages, all races, and all family backgrounds. There is no separation, division or judgment.  Therefore, the earlier you reach out to the children, the more likely they are to take in the music and do more than just appreciate it.

Because the orchestra resides in Ann Arbor, most of the schools that are influenced and involved are from the area. Mostly they reach out to Ann Arbor, Saline, Ypsilanti, and Monroe. These are programs that are held either in classrooms or outside of the classrooms. Within the classroom includes “Listening to Your Brain”, Petting Zoo, Ensembles Visiting Schools, Maestro Lipsky Comes to Class, Youth Concerts, Side by Side Concerts, and Open Dress Rehearsals. Outside the classroom includes Before Family Concerts and Kinderconcerts.