Fifth Grade Fiddles
The Fifth Grade Fiddles Program is a set of group violin lessons offered by the Orchestra Iowa School to all students in the Cedar Rapids Community School District during their fifth grade year. There is no cost to CRCSD students for the set of ten 45-minute lessons. Lessons culminate in an informal performance open to families and the students’ teachers.
This program increases knowledge and appreciation for music, especially that of the string instrument family, through a hands-on approach. Fifth Grade Fiddles also promotes continued participation in music ensembles & classes in middle and high school.
Pied Piper
Join Orchestra Iowa’s talented String, Percussion, Woodwind, and Brass chamber ensembles as they introduce preschool-aged children to the instruments of the orchestra! Focused on fun and learning, Pied Piper concerts offer children the opportunity to enjoy an up-close and personal chamber concert absolutely FREE! Concerts are 30-minutes.
Music In The Schools
An important part of Orchestra Iowa’s work lies in its commitment to fostering music education in community schools. Through our Music in the Schools program, professional musicians provide engaging, in-classroom experiences for elementary students across the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan area, reaching approximately 8,800 students annually.
This program offers a unique opportunity for second, third, and fourth-grade students to experience live symphonic music. Each grade level encounters a different ensemble: second graders are introduced to the string quartet, third graders explore the sounds of woodwind instruments, and fourth graders experience the power and brilliance of brass.
During these visits, musicians not only perform but also interact with students, introducing their instruments and demonstrating the science behind sound production. By engaging directly with the students, Music in the Schools sparks curiosity, builds an appreciation for the arts, and provides a hands-on connection to the world of orchestral music.