Link Up: The Orchestra Moves!
Since 2011, the Spartanburg Philharmonic has partnered with Carnegie Hall to bring the interactive Link Up concert for free to Spartanburg County elementary music students.
Geared for elementary music students in grades 3-5, students sing and play recorders along with the professional musicians!
2026-27 Concert Date:
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
FAQ’s
What is Link Up?
Carnegie Hall’s Link Up is an educational resource that introduces students in grades 3–5 to the orchestra through an interactive curriculum. Students learn to sing and play recorders in the classroom before performing with our Spartanburg Philharmonic professional orchestra. Each Link Up concert lasts 45 minutes, and is full of music from famous classical and contemporary composers.
When is the Link Up concert?
The Spartanburg Philharmonic will present Link Up: The Orchestra Moves on Tuesday, November 17, 2026! There are 2 concert times: 9:30 am and 11:00 am.
Who can participate in Link Up?
Our Spartanburg Philharmonic Link Up concert is open to elementary school groups in the greater Spartanburg area. Interested public schools, charter schools, private schools, and homeschool groups are welcome to attend! Link Up is not open to the general public.
Is there a cost to participate?
Concert tickets are free! There is no cost to attend and participate in the Link Up concert.
What the Spartanburg Philharmonic and Carnegie Hall provide free of charge:
Concert with the Spartanburg Philharmonic, a 65 member professional orchestra
Teacher Guides
Student Online Resources
Professional Development - geared to give you have a deeper understanding of the material, know what to expect on concert day, and share ideas with other Link Up teachers. (3 hrs. of continuing education credit can be earned)
What school groups provide:
Student recorders (if desired)
Transportation to and from Twichell Auditorium, Converse University
Substitute for Music Teacher on concert day
Chaperones
Where is the Link Up concert held?
Link Up is held at Twichell Auditorium at Converse University - 580 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29302.
I’m not sure that I will have time to teach everything. Can my students still attend?
Yes! Link Up can be used in a variety of ways in your classroom setting.
It could be a stand alone music curriculum with full lesson plans, worksheets, and connections to other music disciplines taught over many months.
Other teachers use the Link Up concert as a supplement to their school’s established music curriculum and use the Link up concert repertoire for just a few weeks leading up to the concert.
We find that students have the most success at our Link Up concert when they have at least a basic understanding of what they are hearing and seeing on stage! Whether you use the entire curriculum or teach just a few songs, your students are welcome to join in the joy of making music together.
How do I sign up?
Complete the Sign-Up Form before September 15th to ensure you have all of your concert materials on time!
Can I choose which concert time we attend?
When you sign-up for Link up, you can select a preferred concert time. We try our best to grant your first choice whenever possible. School within the same school district will be placed together at the same concert time unless otherwise requested. The earlier you sign up, the more likely it will be to have your preferred time. Your assigned concert time will be communicated well in advance of the concert day to ensure you have proper time to plan.
When is the Professional Development Day?
Our Professional Development Day will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at the Chapman Cultural Center from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.
The Orchestra MOVES!
As organized sound, music moves through time and space from high to low, creating patterns and motifs. Composers and performers use expressive qualities to move us emotionally. Music also compels us to move physically and is embodied in many kinds of dance.
Concert Repertoire:
“Come to Play” by Thomas Cabaniss - Link Up theme song! - singing/recorder
“The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II - singing/recorder
“Allegro con brio” from Symphony No. 5 by Beethoven - listening piece
“Mhande” by Tanyaradzwa A. Tawengwa - singing/dance
“The Dancing Moonlight” by Dai Wei - singing/recorder
“Danzon No. 2” by Arturo Márquez - listening piece
“Toreador” from Carmen by Georges Bizet - singing
“Knitting Nettles” from Wild Swans Suite by Elena Kats-Chernin - listening
“Shibolet Basadeh” by Tali Rubinstein - recorder
“Cidade Maravilhosa”by André Filho - singing/moving