North State Symphony: Healing Hearts through Music

In the summer of 2018, when the Carr Fire ravaged communities around Redding, CA, North State Symphony (NSS) musicians immediately got on the road. Driving through miles of ash and devastation, these professional musicians brought their soothing art to children at French Gulch – Whiskeytown Elementary and Buckeye School of the Arts, two schools deeply affected by the fire. Two months later, NSS staff plunged into raising funds to support people directly impacted by the horrific Camp Fire in Paradise. With close ties to both the Redding and Chico communities, NSS musicians resolved to respond to these crises through what they already do best – healing the heart through music.

While NSS brings music to all ages through Masterworks Concerts, this regional orchestra deeply values music education for children. For the past 15 years, NSS Youth Concerts have annually brought the symphony to 4,000 preschool through sixth-grade children in Chico, Red Bluff and Redding. Youth Concerts introduce children to the powerful sound of a full orchestra, familiarizing them with classical instruments and genres they might not have exposure to otherwise. 

The devastation of the North State’s fires has only strengthened the symphony’s resolve to share this music with children. “Now, more than ever, kids need music in their lives,” says Scott Seaton, NSS music director, and conductor. “For me growing up, besides being lots of fun, music was the thing that required concentration and focus, giving me an important outlet to help channel my energy in a positive way and get through the tough times. All kids deserve the chance to have something like that in their lives, and we’re doing everything we can to give them lots of different opportunities to learn about classical music and to experience the community that music provides.”

About four years ago, NSS began the “Little One’s Concert,” an orchestra performance in Redding designed for the very youngest audiences. Tom Kaut, a former administrator of a Montessori school in Redding, presented the idea to NSS so children at his school could “hear this wonderful music and see the teamwork that creates these amazing sounds that come from the concert stage.” Partnering with private donors and early education organizations like First 5 Shasta, NSS eagerly brought the program to life. As Kaut says, “NSS is truly a community orchestra, committed to bringing wonderful classical music to all ages and areas of the North State.” 

For older kids, NSS encourages interactive exploration of music. The orchestra’s Music Masterclasses connect advanced music students with world-renowned soloist mentors. Through Young Artist Auditions, high school and college music students can audition for cash awards and the opportunity to perform in a Masterworks Concert with NSS. Side-by-Side Concerts allow youth orchestra members to publicly perform in a Masterworks concert alongside NSS musicians. Musicians in Schools gives students the chance to interact with professional musicians who visit their classrooms. 

Ever seeking to expand its offerings, NSS is currently pursuing funding for a new program called Link Up. This world-class curriculum provided by Carnegie Hall culminates in third-through-fifth graders performing with NSS from seats in the audience, creating a highly interactive orchestral experience. Jenny Abbe Moyer, NSS chair for youth education, says the program will provide curriculum, teachers and recorders, making it “an especially great option for schools and communities that don’t have the resources to implement music programs.” 

Whether facing normal circumstances or natural disasters, the symphony prioritizes youth education. As Director Seaton points out, music is “something that will stay with kids their whole lives,” regardless of circumstances and NSS desires all children in the North State to “experience the joy, the beauty, and the healing power of live classical music.” By committing to youth music education, Moyer says, NSS “ensures that orchestral music remains a vibrant and growing part of our cultural landscape, even when so much familiar terrain has been altered.” 

North State Symphony has made free tickets available for this season’s Masterworks concerts to those impacted by the Carr and Camp Fires. Families who have been displaced, as well as first responders, may use the code HEALCARR (Redding) or nss19love (Chico) at the box office. For more information on discounts, events, partnerships, and programs visit the North State Symphony website or call 530-898-5984.