SHERMAN, Texas – The Sherman Symphony Orchestra brought its music directly to the next generation on Saturday at Kidd‑Key Auditorium. In a special program designed for students, three elementary‑age conductors stepped onto the podium and led the full orchestra, showcasing the power of live performance for young listeners.
Mission‑driven outreach
Leslie Whelan, executive director of the Sherman Symphony, explained that the orchestra’s outreach is rooted in a simple but ambitious mission: “We want to share music and music education with as many people as possible in as accessible a way as possible.” For 25 years the orchestra has built connections with schools, and this year the effort reached a new milestone – more than 3,000 students from 34 schools experienced a live concert.
Students conduct the orchestra
Among the student conductors was Margaret Hebda, a fifth‑grader at Parker Elementary. Margaret traded her piano keys for a conductor’s baton and described the experience with enthusiasm. “Music is usually a way that I get to express myself at home. Sometimes when I’m not feeling the best, I go and play my piano,” she said. She admitted she was nervous before stepping onto the podium, but added, “I was excited, really. And I was just like, I can’t wait. I was very nervous, but I also knew that if I did it, it’d be really fun.”
Why live music matters
Whelan emphasized that live performance remains vital in an era dominated by digital media. “Having the opportunity to see a live performance is, I think, increasingly special at a time when it’s really easy to consume media in different ways. This is still really important,” she said. The orchestra’s outreach program not only introduces students to classical repertoire but also encourages them to consider music as a possible future path, whether as performers, conductors, or supporters of the arts.
Community impact
The event reflects a broader commitment by local cultural institutions to invest in youth development. By partnering with school districts and offering free or low‑cost tickets, the Sherman Symphony helps families experience high‑quality arts programming without financial barriers. Parents and teachers reported that the concert sparked conversations about discipline, teamwork, and the joy of creating something beautiful together.
Looking ahead
Building on the success of this year’s outreach, the orchestra plans to expand its school‑visit program next season, adding more interactive workshops and opportunities for students to try their hand at conducting, instrument demos, and backstage tours. Whelan concluded, “Our goal is to keep music education vibrant and reachable for every child in Sherman and the surrounding area.”
The Sherman Symphony’s dedication to youth outreach underscores the essential role of the arts in strengthening families and communities, aligning with the values of faith, tradition, and liberty that many local families hold dear.
Original reporting: KXII News 12 (Gray) — read the source article.
