Sarasota Orchestra has received a $35,000 grant from The Exchange in support of the 2023-2024 Young Person’s Concerts (YPC). Sarasota Orchestra’s YPC are experienced by nearly 9,000 students annually and have been presented since 1953. This live orchestra concert experience for fourth and fifth grade students combines a year-long curriculum in schools with a field trip to see the professional Sarasota Orchestra in concert. The 2023-2024 Young Person’s Concerts will be held October 2 and 4-6, 2023 at the North Port Performing Arts Center and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, with eight daytime concerts over the four days. The curriculum guide was developed by a team of area music teachers and the Sarasota Orchestra Education Department; it includes detailed lesson plans with information on the featured composers, specific pieces, and general music vocabulary. The 2023-2024 YPC will feature the return of conductor Christopher Confessore, along with narrator Gregory Smith. This year, there will also be a free family concert at 7:00 pm on Friday, October 6 at the Van Wezel. To learn more about Sarasota Orchestra’s 2023-2024 season and programs, visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.