Welcome to the Animal Explorers: Inside the Orchestra coloring book!

These books are designed to introduce young learners to the world of orchestral music in a fun, creative, and accessible way.
Each coloring book combines three key learning elements:

     
      1. Instrument Introductions
        Every page highlights a different instrument from the orchestra (such as violin, cello, trumpet, flute, and more). Students are introduced to how each instrument looks and how it is played.

     

      1. Animal Characters as Community Connections

    The animal characters featured in the book represent local high school mascots and symbols connected to your local counties and communities. This helps students feel a sense of connection and pride while making the experience more engaging and memorable.

    1. Music + Art Integration

    This activity encourages creativity while reinforcing listening skills.
    Students can:

    Coloring Contest Opportunity
    Students are invited to submit their completed coloring pages using this link: https://forms.gle/V7FRiqfLj5Gwv8qE9

    For every completed coloring page entered your child will get a chance to win tickets to an upcoming Mid-Texas Symphony concert or a family membership to the McKenna Children’s Museum!

    Our Goal
    The Mid-Texas Symphony aims to spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music. For many students, this may be their first introduction to live symphonic music, and your role in making that connection is invaluable.

       

      Our Mission

      Our programs are meticulously designed to inspire a deep interest in music, spark creativity, and expand the knowledge of young minds. Each performance is crafted to align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded educational experience that supports their academic growth.

      Expanding Our Impact

      As we look toward the future, MTS is committed to enhancing the quality and reach of our education programs through a vertically aligned curriculum that engages students at every grade level. We have outlined a multi-year plan to deepen our impact:

      Year One

      We will refine our Children’s Concerts and introduce a Pre-K storytelling program at local libraries to ignite a love for music and stories in our youngest learners.

      Year Two

      Building on the success of Year 1, we will continue to improve our Children’s Concerts and expand the Pre-K storytelling program to reach more communities.

      Year Three

      We will launch “Symphony 101,” a TED Talk-style program at the Brauntex Theatre, designed specifically for 7th and 8th-grade students. This program will provide an in-depth look at symphonic music, engaging students in a new and exciting way.

      Year Four

      We will develop and implement a Masterclass program aimed at high school band and orchestra students. These sessions will offer hands-on learning experiences with professional musicians, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their craft.

      Through these initiatives, MTS continues to be a leader in arts education, ensuring that every child in our community has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music.

      To learn more or to get your school involved in our programs please email us at education@mtsymphony.org.

      How You Can Support

      Donate

      Please consider making a gift to our Annual Fund to provide stability and support for everything we do to make music accessible. The experience of classical music lifts our spirits, challenges our minds, and reveals the best in our society. You are the foundation on which our organization can continue to ignite and sustain a lifelong appreciation of symphonic music. Thank you in advance for your support.

      Donate