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Young People's Concert
Young People's Concert
Tune into Nature | October 10, 2025 9:30 & 11:00 AM
Andrew Crust, conductor
Stephen Lias, projection artist
Each year, more than 3,500 local students experience the excitement of live symphonic music through our Young People’s Concerts—special performances designed just for school-aged audiences.
Held in a professional concert hall with our full orchestra on stage, these age-appropriate concerts introduce students to the sights, sounds, and energy of a live symphony in an inspiring, accessible way. For many children, it’s their very first time hearing an orchestra in person—and it opens the door to a lifelong appreciation for music.
Get ready for a magical adventure with the Lima Symphony Orchestra! With amazing nature scenes by projection artist Stephen Lias, the music will take you to the Grand Canyon, sparkling rivers, and even underground into the world of mushrooms. It’s a fun and unforgettable journey where music and images bring the wonders of nature to life!
For school reservations and information:
Contact Allison Rode: info@limasymphony.com
Mornings with the Maestro
Mornings with the Maestro
A fun, no-pressure way to introduce your kids to live music.
Looking for something engaging, educational, and actually enjoyable to do with your little ones? Mornings with the Maestro is the Lima Symphony Orchestra’s free family concert series, designed to spark curiosity and creativity through music.
Led by Maestro Andrew Crust, these relaxed, kid-friendly programs feature live performances by LSO musicians, musical storytelling, and interactive moments that keep young attention spans happy. Each event explores different instruments and sounds—so there’s always something new to discover.
Whether you’re bringing toddlers, big kids, or a stroller crew, all ages are welcome. No tickets, no stress—just a fun way to enjoy music together.
2025-2026 Mornings with the Maestro Dates:
All programs take place at the Lima Public Library at 10:30 AM.
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Symphony Storytime
Symphony Storytime
Books, beats, and big imaginations—perfect for your little ones.
Symphony Storytime is a playful and engaging way to introduce your child to live classical music. Designed with young listeners in mind, this free program brings together storytelling, creative movement, and live music performed by Lima Symphony Orchestra musicians.
Each session is interactive, relaxed, and filled with wonder—perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early learners. Kids move, listen, laugh, and explore the sounds of different instruments while following along with a fun story.
No tickets, no stress—just a cozy, enriching experience that supports early learning and helps spark a lifelong love of music.
Symphony Storytime Dates:
Monday, October 20, 2025 – 10:30 AM | Findlay-Hancock Co. Library (Findlay)
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 – 10:00 AM | Putnam County Library (Ottawa)
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 – 10:30 AM | Brumback Library (Van Wert)
Monday, January 26, 2026 – 10:00 AM | Putnam County Library (Kalida)
Monday, March 16, 2026 – 10:30 AM | Findlay-Hancock Co. Library (Findlay)
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – 10:30 AM | Brumback Library (Van Wert)
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – 10:30 AM | Brumback Library (Van Wert)
Monday, June 15, 2026 – 10:30 AM | Findlay-Hancock Co. Library (Findlay)
Monday, June 22, 2026 – 10:30 AM | Cridersville Public Library
Healing Through Music
Healing Through Music
Because everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Not everyone can come to the concert hall—so the Lima Symphony Orchestra brings the music to them. Healing Through Music is one of our most meaningful programs, created to reach people in places where comfort and connection are needed most.
Our musicians regularly perform at recovery centers, behavioral health units, youth drop-in shelters, and even inside correctional facilities. In these quiet, often forgotten spaces, live music becomes something powerful—a way to offer peace, dignity, and hope.
In 2024, the LSO became the first full symphony orchestra in Ohio to perform inside a state prison. The concert included a piece written by an incarcerated composer and a moving collaboration with the Allen-Oakwood men’s choir.
This program reminds us that music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a way to heal, connect, and remind people they matter. And that matters to us.
Drumming Up Hope
Drumming Up Hope
Healing Out Loud - Using music to reconnect, rebuild, and restore.
Drumming Up Hope brings people together through rhythm, movement, and connection. It’s part of our Healing Through Music outreach—and it’s all about giving people space to express themselves, let go of stress, and feel seen.
This hands-on program is now in its fifth year, and it’s been powerful. We’ve worked with youth in foster care settings and with men at Allen-Oakwood Correctional, using drumming as a way to break down barriers and build confidence.
No experience needed. Just heart, rhythm, and a willingness to be part of something bigger.
In School Programs
In School Programs
Bringing the Symphony to the Classroom.
Not every child can attend a concert—but with our In-School Programs, the music comes to them.
These engaging, interactive visits give students the chance to experience live music up close. LSO musicians and world-renowned guest artists perform right in the classroom, answer questions, and share personal stories about their journeys with music—from their first instruments to performing around the world.
It’s not a lecture. It’s a musical conversation—fun, informal, and designed to spark curiosity in learners of all ages. For many students, this is their very first encounter with live classical music—and it leaves a lasting impression.
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Friends of the Symphony
Friends of the Symphony
Where music and community come together.
Since 1955, the Friends of the Symphony have been a passionate group of supporters dedicated to uplifting the Lima Symphony Orchestra. Their creativity, generosity, and love for music have helped enhance the LSO’s cultural impact while building a strong community of music lovers.
Throughout the year, the Friends stay active through social events, fundraising efforts, and the annual Young Artist Competition, which celebrates emerging musical talent. One of their most beloved traditions is hosting pre-concert luncheons—festive gatherings that include behind-the-scenes conversations with guest artists and a preview of the evening’s performance.
Whether you're new to the Symphony or a longtime supporter, the Friends of the Symphony offer a welcoming space to connect with others who believe in the power of live music.
To RSVP for a luncheon or learn more about joining, contact Jean Zink at 419-303-9050.
Classical Yoga
Classical Yoga
A restorative blend of live music and mindful movement.
As part of the Lima Symphony Orchestra’s Healing Through Music initiative, summer welcomed the debut of Classical Yoga—a serene, open-air series that combines gentle yoga with the beauty of live classical music.
Held in the peaceful outdoor courtyard of the LSO’s home (formerly Jameson Manor), each session offered an hour of guided, instructor-led movement enhanced by calming, in-the-moment performances by LSO musicians. The setting? Tranquil. The experience? Transformative.
Sessions were intentionally limited to just 25 participants to create an immersive, personalized environment. Attendees also received exclusive wellness perks, including custom tote bags and complimentary post-session drinks courtesy of our friends at Phoenix Nutrition.
Found Sound
Found Sound Around the World
Exploring world music, one rhythm at a time.
This summer, the Lima Symphony Orchestra—in partnership with Lima City Schools—launched Found Sound, an exciting new two-week program designed to immerse students in global music traditions through hands-on learning and cultural exploration.
Led by Dr. Sarah Waters, Found Sound invited students into a musical journey across the globe, exploring styles and rhythms from West Africa, the Caribbean, China, and Native American cultures. Through daily workshops, students learned traditional melodies, built instruments from natural and household materials, and performed on authentic drums—including steel drums.
The experience was anything but passive. Students got their hands messy and minds inspired—creating their own percussion instruments, experimenting with sound, and learning the cultural roots behind the music. The program culminated in a joyful, student-led performance that celebrated their creativity, confidence, and connection to new musical traditions.
Made possible through the generous support of anonymous donors, Found Sound reflects the Lima Symphony’s deep commitment to inclusive, creative music education—empowering young learners to make music, explore the world, and find their own voice.
Sponsored by Anonymous Donors
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