“Back in My Day”

A chronological survey of the history of the orchestra and its music.

10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2025
10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Location:  Seven Hills Church, 7300 Turfway Rd., Florence KY 41042

“Back in My Day” offers a generational 300-year history of the orchestra and western music, with pieces from the early 1700s (e.g. Handel’s Water Music) to popular movie scores of the new millennium. At the performance students will see and hear how the orchestra grew in size and sound, receive interesting facts about the composers and learn how their era and environment impacted their musical works. The finale to Haydn’s “Farewell” Symphony played by candlelight, and the KSO debut of 11-year old violinist, Harin Lee, performing the finale of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 are some of the highlights from our historical timeline that ends with John Williams NBC Sunday Night Football Theme .

This year ‘s program will be held at  Seven Hills Church in Florence. The performance will be captured by 4 or more cameras, which allows close up viewing of the various instrument sections, conductor and individual musicians.

A question & answer session near the end of the concert allows students and teachers the opportunity to ask questions of any musician or the conductor.  The KSO also takes student/teacher questions in advance and via text from schools attending remotely.  Admission is free, but registration is required.  Special thanks to the Charles H. Dater Foundation, and The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation  for supporting the 2025-26 Education Series.

~Program ~

Handel:  “Hornpipe” from Water Music (1717)
Haydn:   Finale to Symphony No. 45 (Farewell) (1772)
Beethoven:   Symphony No. 5 (Mvt I) (1808)
Wagner:   Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin  (1848)
Bruch:   Violin Concerto (Mvt. III) (1866) w/ Harin Lee, violin
Stravinsky:   Finale to the Firebird (1919)
Copland:   “Hoe-down” from Rodeo (1942)
Badelt/Zimmer:   Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Williams:   The Wide Receiver” NBC Sunday Night Football Theme (2011)

Lesson plans and activities on many of the musical selections offered on this program are available at Classics for Kids, produced by WGUC.  (Links found by clicking on the composers name above).

**Admission is free, but registration is required. **

Unfortunately,The KSO does not arrange or offer transportation to concerts.

What teachers say —

• “I loved the venue!  The volunteers were friendly and helpful. The videography during the concert was wonderful and gave the students an up close look at the instruments.  Well done!” — Holly Trenkamp, Kelly Elementary
• “This performance was well paced, interesting and educational.  The performance was outstanding. The candlelight selection; 7th grade violinist and movie/music overlay were captivating. It was so unique for a symphony concert.” — Debbie Schilling, Heritage Christian Academy
• “I love the video accompanying, scanning the instruments as being played.  This significantly enhanced the educational experience for my students.” — Amy DiChiara, Homeschool
• “The environment was intimate and it was great to see a young musician. The students could relate to that.” — Rebecca Klaber, Grandview Elementary
• “The KSO always presents an engaging informative presentation that is wonderful to attend.  I always enjoy bringing my students and they love it too.” — Bonita Pack, John W. Reiley Elementary

For more information, call (859) 431-6216.

Update: 2025 Memo to Teacher Elem.