These programs are directed by Maestra Sebrina Alfonso and are often produced in collaboration with other community organizations such as the Monroe County School System, the Florida Keys Council of the Arts and "Keys Kids".

The Master Concert Series Program:This program has been in place since the first symphony season as an integral part of the Master Concert Series. This educational component consists of two free interactive children's concerts held during every concert week. Over the course of the season, these concerts allow up to three thousand Monroe County School Children (grades K - 12) to interact with the conductor and musicians to better learn about the program composers, their compositions and the instruments utilized. This learning occurs in the context of experiencing the thrill of hearing a live symphonic orchestra.

The Master Classes: This program consists of instrument instruction master classes conducted by KWSO musicians in the school system during each concert week. At least two hundred children participate across grade levels. A major component of this program is the thirty to forty hours of free individual instrument instruction that are provided to students by KWSO musicians. In March 2001, the KWSO String Quartet visited and presented interactive performances at every public and private school from Marathon to Key West. This unique String Quartet "road trip" covered fifty miles, multiple island communities, seven schools as it reached over thirty five hundred children.

The Performing Arts Program:Founded in 2000 and located at the KWSO office, the Performing Arts Program provides individualized instruction in voice and piano throughout the year for children and adults. Additionally, the KWSO musicians provide private lessons in various musical instruments during each concert week.

The Performance Program:This new education program for the 2006-2007 season will provide local children and adults members of our community creative growth and stage discipline, through the opportunity to learn from professionals and then perform with their mentors. The KWSO' s first Holiday concert opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors" proved to be such a learning opportunity.

In the summer of 2001, the KWSO and Keys Kids collaborated to produce "Singing Symphony Sol Fest." Each year we celebrate the summer Sol Fest with the community of Key West, its children and adults, sponsors and noted faculty. Sol Fest is an educational program combining professional singers, local artists and teachers, children and adults who work as an ensemble on various elements of the Arts. The Sol Fest program has been expanded to include an impressive faculty with diverse skills. It has has grown to include vocal workshops with operatic music, solfege, Broadway musicals, ear training, acting improvisation and technique, dance instruction including tap and Flamenco, guitar, keyboard skills, improvisation, theory, and even computer skills.

The KWSO mission to provide an unique cultural experience through our concerts and education programs is truly rewarding. Maestra Alfonso, in referring to the children in the performance, said "When they're grown up they'll remember these as the best of times. I watch them work, and I can't stop smiling. The best feeling of all is when you know you've made a difference in people's lives."

It warms the heart to see the faces of students of all ages light up as they discover the symphonic world of music. Come discover the many ways you can support music education in our community.