Youth Programs

Classical Kids Club

Introduce the kiddos in your life to the joys of classical and live music performance! Classical Kids members enjoy invitations to fun, casual dress rehearsals.

• We know not all kids are ready for the regular concert experience. Classical Kids allows your kids to experience the orchestra at their level. There are snacks, story time with the library, activities, space for movement, and the orchestra. We have sensory friendly options with low light levels and noise minimizing headphones.
• Ready for the full concert experience? Orchestra for All concert tickets allow youth to attend concerts for FREE with a ticketed adult. When your child is ready to experience a concert, we want it to be affordable for the family! More information about Orchestra for All is available on our Ticket Discounts page.

BSO Youth Chamber Players

For information about the BSO Youth Chamber Players, check out our new BYCP webpage!

BSO Young Artists Competition

Calling all young musicians!

Each year, we partner with the Bellingham Music Club, inviting the winners of the BMC Student Competitions to participate in the BSO Young Artist Competition. BSO Young Artist Competition winners receive a scholarship prize and, when possible, the chance to perform with the BSO!

• 1st Place - $500
• 2nd Place - $250
• 3rd Place - $100

More information about the BMC competitions and application materials can be found at bellinghammusicclub.wordpress.com.

Instrument Loan Program

The BSO’s Instrument Loan Program (ILP) provides youth in our community with access to musical instruments that are difficult to rent locally and expensive to purchase.

To be eligible for the ILP, applicants must:

• Be age 25 or under
• Have been a Whatcom County resident for the past year
• Be an intermediate music student or above
• Show musical ability and promise
• Demonstrate Commitment to community music organizations now and in the future

For more information or to learn about the ILP policies, please contact programs@bellinghamsymphony.org.