Since its inception, SoNA has brought live music and arts integrated education programs to countless students throughout Northwest Arkansas. In hopes of fostering the next generation of musicians and audience, we continue to focus on increased access to live music through open rehearsals, discounted and free tickets to concerts, our in-school SoNA Mentors program, and family and youth-focused concerts and events.

SoNA Mentors

SoNA supports local students and music teachers through SoNA Mentors, a program serving wind band and orchestra programs across Northwest Arkansas, including Bentonville, Springdale, Fayetteville, and Rogers. Through SoNA Mentors, orchestra musicians provide performances, sectionals, masterclasses, pre-college career guidance, and more for emerging musicians. Rather than approaching schools with a pre-existing curriculum, SoNA Mentors collaborate with local music teachers and directors and support educators in whatever capacity is needed to help music students achieve their fullest potential. To have a SoNA Mentor come to your school, please contact Music Education Director Natalie Fernandez.

Mentors for the 23-24 school year

Strings:

Miho Oda Sakon - violin
Will Bush - violin
Diane Halliburton - violin
Andrew Chu - violin/viola
Michael Puryear - cello
Garrett Jones - bass

Free Youth Tickets

Thanks to generous support from the Baum Charitable Foundation Trust, a limited number of free tickets are available to anyone under 18 with the purchase of an adult ticket at each mainstage performance at the Walton Arts Center. Please call the Box Office at (479) 443-5600 for more information and to redeem tickets.

Outreach Concerts

Through outreach concerts, SoNA gives students in NWA the chance to see a live performance of a professional symphony orchestra for free, during the school day, among an audience made up of their peers. These performances have a specific theme and repertoire that is separate from the regular mainstage concert series of the orchestra. 

Upcoming outreach Concerts
The next outreach concerts will be titled Sounds of the Symphony: A Journey From Beethoven to Today and will take place:

– Friday, January 19th at the Walton Arts Center, starts at 10am

– Friday, April 5th at the Walton Arts Center, starts at 10am

Email invitations to area music educators have been sent on a regular basis. Educators can RSVP by clicking here. Bussing subsidies are available. For inquiries, please reach out to Education Director Natalie Fernandez.

Sounds of the Symphony: A Journey from Beethoven to Today
Students will witness this captivating musical odyssey which explores the evolution of symphonic music from the timeless classics of Ludwig van Beethoven, making connections between his works and the innovative and diverse compositions of modern-day composers. Students will learn about Beethoven's remarkable musical journey overcoming adversity as he faced progressive hearing loss. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the resilience and determination exemplified by Beethoven in their own artistic pursuits, overcoming challenges, and expressing their emotions through their creative endeavors. SoNA aims to foster a love for classical music and inspire the next generation of music enthusiasts. SoNA's Education Outreach concerts are designed for young audiences to gain insight into live performance from SoNA’s Assistant Conductor, Sarah Pearson and Education Director, Natalie Fernandez.

Each piece in this program showcases a different aspect of orchestral music, from the classical brilliance of Beethoven to the cinematic magic of John Williams. It offers a comprehensive journey through orchestral compositions, making it an educational and entertaining experience for the audience.

Behind the Scenes

Students and accompanying parents and teachers are invited to look “Behind the Scenes” at a SoNA dress rehearsal! Hear Maestro Paul Haas rehearse with the musicians and get exclusive insights on what it takes to bring great music to life. Paul Haas will lead a post-rehearsal Q&A discussion to further allow students to learn more about the music and SoNA’s artistic process.