Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra

Impact That Goes Far Beyond the Stage

As we approach our 95th season, the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra continues to serve as a cultural anchor for Kern County. But our work is not only about performance. It is about access.

Across our region, many students grow up without meaningful exposure to the arts. Limited school resources mean music programs are often out of reach. For some, the idea of attending a live symphony feels distant or unfamiliar.

The Symphony exists to bridge that gap.

Because a live music experience is not just entertainment. It can be a turning point. A first spark. A moment that expands what a student believes is possible. 

Watch how it comes to life.

BSO Next
A first concert. A lasting connection.

Through BSO Next, students experience more than a night at the symphony. They share a meal, connect with peers, and take part in guided pre-concert experiences that help them discover the stories, instruments, and meaning behind the music they will hear. For many, it is their first time in a concert hall. It is an experience that builds confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging.

Young People’s Concerts
Music they know. Music they create.

Each year, thousands of elementary students come together for performances that make music immediate and exciting. Students might hear familiar film and video game scores, or step into the role of creator through hands-on moments that invite them to build and conduct their own music. In 2026 alone, nearly 5,000 students experienced the orchestra in this way.

Kids Discover Music
Bringing the orchestra into the classroom.

For many students, access begins at school. Our musicians visit classrooms across Kern County, introducing instruments, sound, and creativity through live, interactive experiences. It is often the first time students see and hear these instruments up close.

Urner Music Academy
From interest to opportunity.

For students ready to go further, the Symphony provides mentorship and training through our Master Classes. We bring in world-renowned guest artists, giving students direct access to professionals at the highest level and creating real pathways for growth in the arts.

Sustain Campaign
Support the music. Connect with the musicians.

Behind every performance is a musician dedicated to their craft. By sponsoring a chair, you help sustain the orchestra while building a meaningful connection to the people who make the music possible. It is an investment in the long-term strength of the Symphony and the cultural life of our community. 

Watch the story behind Sustain

Every program, every performance, every student reached begins with access.
Community support makes it possible to offer these programs at no cost to students.
It helps provide buses to get there, meals to share, hands-on learning materials, and a front row seat to a live performance.

Your support opens doors to first experiences.
It creates moments that stay with students long after the music ends.
It helps ensure that the arts remain a vital part of Kern County.

Give today. Sustain the music. Expand the impact.