Education and Outreach

Here is an overview of our programs - please use the links to the left to read more.

Artist Master Classes
It's a private lesson, with an audience. All ages are encouraged to participate as performers and as observers.  The public is invited to attend.

A registration form is required for those interested in performing!  Forms will be posted as class opportunities are announced.

• Percussion Master Class with Matt Larson, WVSO Principal Percussion          Saturday, January 28 at 1:30 p.m. in Walker Theater, Clay Center, Charleston, WV
• Piano Master Class with Katie Mahan, WVSO Guest Artist     Saturday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m.         Location TBA, Charleston, WV

Concert Previews   "Preludes"
Maestro Cooper presents information-filled previews of each symphonic subscription concert from the stage, starting usually an hour before the concert that evening. Our guest artists frequently join him during the preview to discuss important topics relating to the repertoire for that evening.  Prelude start time is 7:00 p.m. before Symphonic Series Concerts.

Culture 101
Area colleges and universities have traditionally purchased the rights for their students and faculty to attend WVSO symphonic series on a complimentary basis. Seating is not guaranteed and is honored on a first come first served basis for both Friday and Saturday night concerts.

Please check with your local college/university to see if they offer this program.   Currently, West Virginia State University, University of Charleston, and WVU-Tech all make concert attendance part of their student activities offerings.

Open Rehearsals for Annual Funds Donors
As a special benefit of their annual fund donation to the Symphony, donors at a specific level are treated to a number of Open Rehearsals in which attendees get an inside view of how a concert is put together. Participants also may have the opportunity to take part in informal briefings and question and answer sessions with Maestro Cooper.