Ndso children’s concerts at CIA

Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra (NDSO) Presents Educational Children’s Concert for Local Schools

Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra (NDSO) is proud to continue its tradition of offering an engaging and educational children’s concert for local school districts. This year’s concert will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with two performances welcoming elementary students from across Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties for an immersive orchestral experience that combines live performance with multimedia elements. It is generously hosted by the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and will take place in the Marriott Pavilion on the CIA’s campus. Please note that tickets for this performance are limited to participating school districts and are not available to the public.

The concert offers an engaging, educational experience designed to inspire students to explore music. The program includes videos demonstrating how orchestra instruments are played and highlights the works of composers who have shaped American music, including John Philip Sousa, Scott Joplin, Aaron Copland, and John Williams. Interactive and solo performances include The Homework Blues by Lucas Richman, which introduces the blues note in jazz and features audience participation, performed by vocal soloist Madelin Morales, and student guest soloist Jack Poole-DiSalvo on violin for Fiddle Faddleby Leroy Anderson. Adding a visual dimension, student-created artwork will be projected above the orchestra during an excerpt from Appalachian Springby Aaron Copland, allowing students to see their own creativity come to life alongside live music.

Our student soloist, Jack Poole-DiSalvo is an 11th grader at Arlington High School in La Grange, NY, who began playing violin at age seven. He performs with the Arlington Philharmonia, Stringendo Vivace Orchestra, and Strawberry Hill Fiddlers, and has appeared as a soloist in multiple ensembles. Jack enjoys chamber music, orchestral performance, traditional fiddling, and pit orchestra work for school productions. He has received honors including Concertmaster for the Area All-State Orchestra and First Violinist for the NYSSMA All-State Symphony Orchestra. Jack is excited to make his debut with a professional ensemble and is grateful for the support of his teachers and conductors.

Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra was formed in 2006 to bring live orchestral music to northern Dutchess County and the surrounding Hudson Valley area. Now in its twentieth season, the orchestra offers the best possible live performances of classical music at affordable family prices. Since the beginning, the orchestra has been under the dedicated leadership of Kathleen Beckmann, who serves as both conductor and artistic director. Learn more about our upcoming programs at www.ndsorchestra.org.