Young People’s Concerts

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra’s Young People's Concerts are geared specifically toward elementary students and are attended by schools county-wide. These concerts also introduce students to a variety of instruments, sparking their curiosity and inspiring them to explore music through their school programs. The programs are engaging and interactive, with pre-and post-concert lesson plans provided by the Symphony.

2026 PROGRAM

Join Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra for a 45-minute interactive and educational concert that puts students right at the center of the music-making process! Written by composer James Stephenson, Compose Yourself! is a fun, fast-paced introduction to the orchestra where students learn how instruments work, explore melody, harmony, and rhythm — and even help create a brand-new piece that is performed live as a “world premiere”. This program has delighted audiences nationwide with its perfect blend of entertainment and education.

Students will:
♩ Hear each instrument of the orchestra shine.
♩ Experience humor, surprises, and playful demonstrations.
♩ Take part in composing a piece on the spot and see it performed instantly.
♩ Discover the joy, creativity, and teamwork at the heart of live orchestral music.

Memorable, engaging, and inspiring —
Compose Yourself! turns the theater into a classroom of imagination, laughter, and discovery.


PERFORMANCES
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.
Friday, January 30, 2026 | 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.

LOCATION
Dignity Health Theater (formerly Mechanics Bank Theater) – 1001 Truxtun Avenue – Bakersfield, CA 93301

GRADE
Recommended: 1st-6th Grade
All ages of exceptional learners are welcome!

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students encouraged! Request an ASL interpreter for any performance.

COST
$8 per person, chaperone’s welcome!
Ask your school about available funding!