The Greensboro Symphony Guild is a volunteer organization of diverse and devoted community leaders and friends. Since 1964 we have promoted the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and its many educational programs throughout the Piedmont Triad. More than $2,000,000 from fundraisers has been given to support the endowment and music education programs of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. These award-winning programs have remained a significant cornerstone of our community and have been recognized and honored by the League of American Orchestras. In 1984 President Ronald Reagan honored our Guild with the President’s Volunteer Action Award.
The Guild provides first-hand experiences for school aged children with our orchestra. Each year we enrich the lives of more than 50,000 pre-school to high school children through school concerts and partnership programs. Our scholarship and tutoring programs provide support to the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra. We also support the GSO’s Music at Midday concert series where hundreds of senior citizens are able to experience the beauty of orchestral music.
Why Does Music Education Matter?
Music is essential to children’s growth, learning and potential. Extensive research has shown that it makes a tremendous impact on young people’s development. Here are some key findings about the remarkable power and effectiveness of music education:
Students who study music and the arts:
- Test significantly higher – by more than 100 points – on SATs.
- Are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
- Read and write at higher levels.
- Have higher school attendance levels.
- Show greater skills of teamwork and conflict resolution compared with those without music education.
- Demonstrate higher level brain development and functions, as shown in recent brain science studies.
Schools that provide music and arts instructions:
- Have higher graduation rates.
- Have higher levels of parent participation and lower incidents of violence.
Sources:
Champions of Change, The Arts Education Partnership & the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities College Board.
Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development
Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, UCLA
National Research Center for the Gifted and Talented, University of Connecticut
Youth Arts Development Project, U.S. Department of Justice
Music Education Programs
Music is a wonderfully effective way to engage, inspire and educate students. The Greensboro Symphony’s music education programs are designed for children of all ages, backgrounds and interests. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, a music instructor or a home-school parent, our offerings can open up a whole world of possibilities for your children.
How to Get Involved
It’s so easy to get involved!! You can volunteer to be on any committee that helps with our education and community outreach programs. Email us, and we’ll get you in touch with the right person. If a phone call is easier for you, or for additional information, we can be reached at 336.486.5355.
Donations to our educational programs can be made by visiting our Shop Page.