Founded in 1966, the Longmont Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is a nonprofit whose mission is to enrich, inspire and serve our extended community as a symphony orchestra recognized for its artistic excellence. To that end, the LSO is dedicated to providing opportunities for our school aged children, seniors, and the underserved community to experience live orchestral music through our Outreach Programs.
Adopt-a-School Program
Members of the Longmont Symphony Orchestra string quartet, brass quintet, percussion ensemble, and woodwind quintet perform on a four-year rotation through the St. Vrain Valley Elementary Schools. These ensembles perform in over 26 schools yearly, reaching over 5,000 students in the 2nd-5th grade in an intimate chamber music setting.
Annual 5th Grade Concert
In January, the LSO performs two concerts at Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, reaching over 2,400 fifth grade students in the St. Vrain Valley. For many students, this is their first experience hearing a live orchestra. Students are given the opportunity to ‘sit in’ with the orchestra during one of the pieces, and one student from the audience is chosen to conduct.
Mentors in Music
Longmont Symphony Orchestra musicians mentor middle school and high school instrumental music students. At the discretion of district music teachers, these musicians will be utilized as clinicians, in sectionals, and for individual or ensemble coaching.
Longmont Youth/Junior Youth Symphony
Longmont Youth Symphony and Longmont Junior Youth Symphony are committed to serving the young musicians of the St. Vrain Valley and outlying areas of the community. The groups perform many times throughout the year and collaborate yearly with the Longmont Symphony Orchestra.
Senior Concerts
Members of the LSO string quartet, brass quintet, and woodwind quintet perform concerts yearly at various senior facilities throughout Longmont.
Ray Parnaby Memorial Scholarship and Gary Dicks Performance Scholarship
Due to COVID 19 and the disruption to schools, the Longmont Symphony Orchestra has extended the deadline for its two scholarships until April 30, 2021 – The Ray Parnaby Memorial Scholarship and the Gary Dicks Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by the Nancy L. Nixon Foundation, each of these scholarships, valued at $1,000, is awarded to a graduating high school senior who will be pursuing a music degree. We are requesting all applications and materials be sent via the internet. Applications include instructions for submission. If you have already sent your application via the USPS they will be accepted. Click for applications 2021 Dicks Scholarship application 2021 Parnaby scholarship application
July 4th Summer Concert
Performed at Thompson Park in Longmont, this free community concert has become an annual family tradition. People of all ages and backgrounds attend this event in celebration of our nation and those who have served.
Pop Up Concerts
Longmont Symphony ensembles can be heard at special events throughout the downtown area and in concerts at parks.
Nutcracker Ballet Outreach Performance
Hundreds of tickets for our final Nutcracker Ballet dress rehearsal are given to organizations serving the disabled, seniors, and economically-disadvantaged community members. The LSO and Boulder Ballet also collaborate on a sensory-friendly Gentle Nutcracker performance, specifically designed for community members with special needs and their families.
Ticket Outreach
We continue to offer free tickets to our regular season concerts and our Nutcracker performances to the underserved community, enabling those to attend who may otherwise be unable due to financial considerations.