The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance’s field trip programs and in-school performances offer the perfect blend of engaging performances and curriculum-connected themes. Impactful in-school performances give your students a chance to see professional artists up close, ask questions, and sometimes even participate in the action! Concert opportunities with DPAA introduce students to the wondrous sounds of a live orchestra, professional singers, and the athletic art of ballet, while also relating music to students’ personal experiences and classroom curricula. We create our standards-based programs with specific age ranges in mind so that we can cater to their developmental and learning needs.
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Preschool & Early Elementary
Programs for our youngest audience members celebrate their curiosity and encourage them to move and explore the arts. We know how important it is to make a good impression on little learners, so we’ve established programs with their development in mind. Discover the programming below that introduces your students to the ballet, opera, and philharmonic in a fun, engaging setting, while also meeting Ohio Learning Standards in both the arts and academic content areas.
Ballet Stories in Motion
Our talented dancers from Dayton Ballet School Ensemble bring stories to life. This program educates children on selected themes through ballet. Each program incorporates books, facts, music, a dance performance, and student participation. The performance theme for 2023-2024 is Fairy Tales. This program is recommended for pre-K through 3rd grade.
Curriculum connections: English Language Arts, Science, Movement, Dance, Music
Requirements: A performance area of 20 x 24 feet is required—preferably a stage or carpeted area.
Run-time: 35 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Brass Quintet: Who is the Brass Family?
Lively music, an entertaining introduction to the instruments in the Brass Quintet, and a little science too! This program is recommended for grades K–12.
Curriculum connections: Science, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
String Quartet: The Great Dinosaur Escape
Four dinosaurs learn how to use their individual gifts and talents to help each other. This program is recommended for pre-K through 2nd grade.
Curriculum connections: English Language Arts, Science, Social-Emotional Skills, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 35 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
String Quartet: Anansi and The Sky Kingdom
In this folk tale from West Africa, Anansi and his friends achieve seemingly impossible tasks with teamwork and ingenuity. This program is recommended for pre-K through 2nd grade.
Curriculum connections: English Language Arts, Geography, Social-Emotional Skills, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 35 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
String Quartet: The Three Billy Goats Gruff
A familiar story with a few original surprises! Join us as we learn how a simple act of kindness can make a big difference. This program is recommended for pre-K through 2nd grade.
Curriculum connections: English Language Arts, Social-Emotional Skills, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 35 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Dayton Philharmonic Trio: Wee 3
A string bass, a trumpet, and percussion! What could these instruments possibly have in common? Find out as the DPO Trio explores likenesses, differences, and teamwork. This program is recommended for pre-K through 2nd grade.
Curriculum connections: English Language Arts, Social-Emotional Skills, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Philharmonic Trio: American Vignettes
American Vignettes was composed especially for the DPO Trio by Cincinnati composer Joe Price. From New Orleans to the Wild West, this lively presentation takes your students on a musical journey across the U.S. This program is recommended for grades 1–4.
Curriculum connections: Social Studies, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
String Quintet: Science of String Sound
Who is in the string family, and how do string instruments work? How many ways can string instruments produce a sound? Discover the answers to these questions as the String Quintet performs a wide variety of musical styles. This program is recommended for grades 1–6.
Curriculum connections: Science, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Woodwind Quintet: Woodwind Discovery
Why is the flute in a woodwind quintet if it’s made of metal? Isn’t the French horn a brass instrument? The Woodwind Quintet shares how each of their instruments can be so different yet blend together to make a unique sound. This program is recommended for grades K–5.
Curriculum connections: Science, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Woodwind Quintet: Musical Explorers
Follow musical cues from Europe to the Far East to South America and Africa to discover the unique musical sounds of countries around the world. This program will reinforce your students’ listening and map reading skills. This program is recommended for grades 4–8.
Curriculum connections: Social Studies, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Magic Carpet Concerts: Once Upon a Time
February 27–29
Our youngest audience members will learn how music and dance work together to tell stories. Your students will get a taste of the Ballet, Opera, and Philharmonic in this integrated concert!
The timeless tale of Peter and the Wolf is brought to life by members of the Dayton Ballet School Ensemble, our Opera Artists-in-Residence, and the Philharmonic Orchestra. Meet the bird, duck, cat, wolf, grandfather, hunters, and of course, Peter on this grand adventure for children. This field trip is recommended for pre-K through 4th grade.
Curriculum connections: English Language Arts, Social Studies, Music, Dance
Run-time: 45 minutes, 10am or 11:30am
Cost: $7 per ticket
Intermediate
As students enter mid- to upper-elementary grades, their brains strive to make connections between subject areas. They want to deepen their understanding of all kinds of subjects and our in-school programming does just that. Our programming gives students a window into how the arts connect with other subjects and the world around them. Read below to learn more about each of the programs that can encourage your students to see the arts through a new lens.
Children's Traveling Opera
Children’s Traveling Opera (CTO) features Dayton Opera Artists-in-Residence. Experience this entertaining and engaging program that provides students with the opportunity to participate in their own production of The Pirates of Penzance. This program is recommended for grades 3–6.
Requirements:
- The presenters will arrive 30-40 minutes prior to the program and will need access to the performance space on arrival.
- Tech needs for presenters:
- Load-in door close to the performance area, accessible to roll cart/equipment
- Space to change and access to restroom for adults only
- 3 students to assist with unloading and loading
- Microphone on a stand
- Access to a nearby power outlet
- Room temperature bottled water for five
- 20 folding chairs for students that will be in the cast. 10 chairs will be on each side of the stage
- A table to set props on
*The performance uses foam swords. Please let us know in advance if that is not allowed at your school.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Brass Quintet: Who is the Brass Family?
Lively music, an entertaining introduction to the instruments in the Brass Quintet, and a little science too! This program is recommended for grades K–12.
Curriculum connections: Science, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Brass Quintet: Music Around the World
Language, dress, and customs all combine to define a culture, but what is missing? Music, of course! Take a musical journey and discover the unique characteristics of music from around the world. This program is recommended for grades K–12.
Curriculum connections: Social Studies, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Dayton Philharmonic Trio: Music and Culture
After a speedy trip around the world to discover how music reflects the culture of its people, your students will arrive in an American classroom to meet the Creatures in Room 642 by Cincinnati composer Frank Proto. Here they will learn how music not only describes a culture but also reveals the individuals in it! This program is recommended for grades 5–8.
Curriculum connections: Social Studies, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
String Quintet: Music for Dance
Music must be organized, especially when it involves dance! Students will learn how form, patterns, and rhythm combine to create characteristic dance styles from around the world. This program is recommended for grades 3–8.
Curriculum connections: Social Studies, Dance, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
String Quintet: Tour of Europe
Test your students’ map reading skills. The quintet will play music from various European countries and enlist volunteers from the audience to help them build a map of Europe. This program is recommended for grades 3–8.
Curriculum connections: Social Studies, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
String Quintet: Science of String Sound
Who is in the string family, and how do string instruments work? How many ways can string instruments produce a sound? Discover the answers to these questions as the String Quintet performs a wide variety of musical styles. This program is recommended for grades 1–6.
Curriculum connections: Science, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Young People's Concerts: A Salute to Teachers
March 20
One of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s longest-standing traditions! These concerts allow students to hear the exciting sounds of a full orchestra in the acoustically perfect Schuster Center. Students also learn how music connects to many areas of their classroom curriculum. Teachers receive lesson plans and a YouTube playlist of concert excerpts.
In this family-friendly concert, we pay homage to teachers—and the students they nurture—by highlighting some famous student-teacher composer duos. Join us and raise your hands for those who impart wisdom and shape our futures. This concert features the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Opera Artists-in-Residence, and Dayton Ballet School Ensemble. This field trip is recommended for grades 4–12.
Curriculum connections: English Language Arts, Social Studies, Music, Dance
Run-time: 45–50 minutes, 10am or 11:30am
Cost: $7 per ticket
Secondary
Students in middle- and high-school are exploring and shaping their future goals and identities, and the arts can challenge their ideas and give them new avenues of self-expression. Read below to find out more about the programs we offer for older students.
Brass Quintet: Journey Through Jazz!
Explore the history, style, and influences of jazz music with the Brass Quintet. This program is recommended for grades 7–12.
Curriculum connections: Social Studies, English Language Arts, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Woodwind Quintet: The Art of Music
This multimedia presentation pairs music with paintings, architecture, and sculpture. Learn how the visual arts and music are connected by choosing one of the following engaging programs: Art & Arpeggios, Brushes & Beats, and Fascinating Female Artists. This program is recommended for grades 4–12.
Curriculum connections: English Language Arts, Visual Art, Music
Requirements: A projector, screen, and computer are required for this program.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Instrumental Sectionals OMEA Coaching
Professional musicians from the Dayton Philharmonic visit your band or orchestra classroom to lead sectionals, clinics, OMEA coaching, masterclasses, or to perform for your students. Instrument clinics were created to meet the requests of band and orchestra directors. We offer an unparalleled opportunity for your band and orchestra students to work side-by-side with our professional musicians. We offer string, brass, and woodwind clinics, and clinics can be tailored to your needs. This program is for grades 6–12.
Curriculum connections: Music
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per session
Choir Sectionals/Clinics
Dayton Opera Artists-in-Residence visit your classroom to lead rehearsals, sectionals, masterclasses, or to perform for your students. This program is for grades 6–12.
Cost: Inquire for pricing
All Ages
Who Wants to be an Opera Star?
Who Wants to be an Opera Star? is an introduction to the art form of opera through the framework of a television game show. The performance runs as a series of questions and competitions, with four singers in the roles of emcee and contestants. Studio audience members (the students) will learn about voice types, arias, duets, props and costumes, and a dash of opera history. While cheering on the contestants, students will learn Italian words associated with opera and participate by identifying emotions and clapping rhythms in musical selections taken from some of the world’s favorite operas.
Requirements: Load-in and load-out assistance. A microphone on a stand and a nearby power outlet. Dressing room and restroom space for adults only. Room temperature bottled water for five.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $500 per performance
Once Upon a Time: Cinderella Goes to the Opera
Available February–March 2024
Dayton Opera takes on the classic fairytale times three! Hear the story told through Rossini’s La Cenerentola, Massenet’s Cendrillon, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Filled with magic, disguises, true love, and a ball, this enchanting production will be performed by Dayton Opera’s four Artists-in-Residence. This production, which was cut short by the pandemic, is back and better than ever, with more opportunities for the audience to join in the fun!
Requirements: Load-in and load-out assistance. A microphone on a stand and a nearby power outlet. Dressing room and restroom space for adults only. Room temperature bottled water for five.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $500 per performance
Opera Up Close
Opera Up Close is a bright and energetic 30-minute recital that introduces all aspects of opera in an exciting way! With a program of arias and ensembles tailored to each age and audience, students will enjoy learning more about the life of a professional singer, exploring the powerful storytelling of opera, and meeting four real live opera singers as they bring to life the art form they love—up close! Schools may request a bonus 10 to 15-minute question-and-answer session after the performance.
Requirements: Load-in and load-out assistance. A microphone on a stand and a nearby power outlet. Dressing room and restroom space for adults only. Room temperature bottled water for five.
Run-time: 30–45 minutes
Cost: $500 per performance
Brass Quintet: Who is the Brass Family?
Lively music, an entertaining introduction to the instruments in the Brass Quintet, and a little science too! This program is recommended for grades K–12.
Curriculum connections: Science, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
Brass Quintet: Music Around the World
Language, dress, and customs all combine to define a culture, but what is missing? Music, of course! Take a musical journey and discover the unique characteristics of music from around the world. This program is recommended for grades K–12.
Curriculum connections: Social Studies, Music
Requirements: Please provide the musicians with sturdy, straight-back, armless, adult-size chairs, and music stands. Please allow at least 6-8 feet between the first row of students and artists. Programs should take place in a clean, well-lit 20 x 20 foot or larger space such as a cafeteria, auditorium, or gymnasium.
Run-time: 45 minutes
Cost: $300 per performance
The Nutcracker: Sensory-Friendly
Dayton Performing Arts Alliance is pleased to offer sensory-friendly performances designed especially for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, or other special needs. What makes these performances sensory-friendly? Our sensory-friendly performances feature a supportive, judgment-free environment with relaxed theater rules. Adaptations to our sensory-friendly performances include the following:
- Dimmed house lights (30% brightness during the entire performance)
- Lower sound levels
- Elimination of startling special effects and lighting
- Relaxed theater rules—freedom to get up, move around, and come and go as you desire
- Designated quiet area
- Trained and informed dancers, staff, ushers, and other volunteers to ensure a memorable experience for you and your family
Run-time: Two acts—each 45 minutes—with a 15-minute intermission.
Cost: $6.50 for students, $8.50 for adults