Fourth graders attend the Virginia Symphony Orchestra concert

During the week of February 16, 2026, more than 1,400 of Hampton City Schools’ fourth graders and their teachers attended a concert by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Students dressed in their best concert attire and attended one of two concerts at the Ferguson Center. The field trip has been occurring for over 25 years and is many students' first opportunity to hear a live symphony orchestra. 

The Carnegie Hall curriculum includes repertoire, hands-on activities, and a culminating interactive performance with the professional orchestra. The Orchestra Sings program music included: Come to Play by Cabaniss, New World Symphony by Dvorak, Finale from the Firebird Suite by Stravinsky, Ode to Joy by Beethoven, Ram Tori Maya by Esmail, We Shall Not Be Moved, arr. by Jochim, and Oye by Papoulis. During the concert, the students explored and learned what makes a melody great through active listening, singing, and using solfège, recorder playing, and dancing. 

“This concert is always a highlight of the school year for the fourth-grade music students. Our fantastic music educators, fourth-grade teachers, administrators, transportation department, and bus drivers ensured the field trip went smoothly,” said Kelly Dee, visual and performing arts curriculum leader. 

A clip of the students' performance is available here.