(Intended for grades 3-5, with flexibility)
Link Up provides a free, high-quality, yearlong curriculum that teachers can implement, along with teaching materials, online video and audio resources, and the professional development and support necessary to make the program an engaging experience for students.
Carnegie Hall’s Link Up program pairs orchestras with students in grades 3-5 at schools in their local communities, giving students the opportunity to learn about, listen to, and perform great music. Students participating in Link Up explore an interactive curriculum in which they learn to sing and play an instrument in the classroom before performing with the orchestra from their seats at a culminating concert.
Join the Columbus Symphony and our young musicians for Link Up: The Orchestra Rocks—a thrilling, interactive concert experience that explores rhythm, energy, and the power of the orchestra. Featuring music by composers like Carl Orff, Igor Stravinsky, and contemporary artists, this dynamic program highlights how the orchestra can shake the ground, stir emotions, and bring communities together. Students will sing, play recorders or instruments, and perform alongside the symphony in this unforgettable celebration of music that truly rocks!
Repertoire Highlights:
Cabaniss “Come to Play”
Verdi “Anvil Chorus” from Il tovatore
Vivaldi “La Follia”
Stravinsky “Dance of the Adolescents” from The Rite of Spring
Orff “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana
Cabaniss “Drumlines”
Meyer “Go BIG or Go HOME”
Berry “Johnny B. Goode”
Participating Schools Receive:
Link Up curriculum resources for each teacher (featuring repertoire for singing, playing the soprano recorder or violin, and program-related lesson plans and activities) with accompanying audio and video resources
Link Up resources for students
Professional development resources and webinar for lead teachers and administrators
Access to Carnegie Hall’s online resources, including additional lessons and interactive classroom resource
School Requirements
Register by Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Attend a Professional Development Workshop:
Friday, November 14 at 6pm-7:30pm (in person)* or Thursday, December 18 at 3pm (virtual)
* Please join us for an optional CSO Masterworks concert, Handel’s Messiah, with (2) complimentary tickets.
Provide recorders for students to participate in the curriculum. We suggest purchasing recorders through www.peripole.com. A promotional code with be provided to participants at the beginning of the year.
Implement the Link Up Curriculum in the classroom and prepare students for success in the concert. *
Be responsive via email and phone and keep Columbus Symphony staff apprised of the program implementation.
Attend the culminating Link Up Concert on Wednesday, February 18 at 10:30 am, at the Ohio Theater. Performances are held at 10:30 am and last 45-50 minutes.
Final student counts and full payments are due to the Columbus Symphony by Friday, February 3, 2026.
You may also like the following events from Columbus Symphony:
Also check out other
Entertainment events in Columbus,
Music events in Columbus,
Concerts in Columbus.
