2026–27: Carnival of the Animals

Encore! Kids brings young listeners in grades K–2 together with The Carolina Philharmonic for an interactive introduction to the orchestra, including selections from Saint-Saëns’s Carnival of the Animals.

From the classroom to the concert hall

Working with school music teachers, the Philharmonic helps children prepare to take part in a live orchestral experience. Singing, movement and discovery bring the music to life.

Experience it with us

A limited number of free patron tickets are available. Call Katie at 910-687-0287 or email boxoffice@carolinaphil.org to ask about availability and request your tickets.

A community making music possible

The Philharmonic’s education programs have reached more than 25,000 children. We are grateful to the patrons, educators and community partners who help make these experiences possible.

Explore the Encore! Kids programs

• Imaginings

• Peter and the Wolf

• Carnival of the Animals

Welcome to Encore! Kids

Encore! Kids is a cutting edge music curriculum for children grades K-2 culminating in an interactive orchestral experience with The Carolina Philharmonic.

Developed by Maestro David Michael Wolff, Encore! Kids has been embraced by students, teachers and parents. Wolff shares, "We need to meet the children where they are, and from there show them where they can go, what they can become. The program turns them into lifelong lovers of exceptional music, and active members of a thousand-strong chorus and orchestra."

Get a glimpse of what he's talking about here:

2024/25 participating schools (Moore County, NC)

Aberdeen Elementary
Carthage Elementary
Cameron Elementary
Episcopal Day School Highfalls Elementary
McDeeds Creek Elementary School Pinehurst Elementary
Robbins Elementary
Sandhills Classical Christian School Sandhills Farm Life Elementary
Southern Pines Elementary
Stars Charter School Stars Christian Academy Vass-Lakeview Elementary
West End Elementary
West Pine Elementary
Westmoore Elementary