TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Topeka Symphony Orchestra gave a matinee performance Thursday at the Topeka Performing Arts Center for hundreds of elementary school students.

The Topeka Symphony has presented free concerts during school days to students in northeastern Kansas since 1999. This hugely popular concert series is performed annually before an audience of students and teachers at the Topeka Performing Arts Center.

These concerts are supported by grants and contributions from local businesses and individuals. Over the years, nearly 75,000 students from schools in northeast Kansas have been able to attend these concerts for free. A resource kit is available for teachers to prepare students for this fun and educational experience. For many of these students, this is their first opportunity to attend a live symphony performance as well as their first visit to the capital.

A few of the elementary schools participating in today’s concert include,

• Whitson
• Scott
• Linn
• Lowman Hill
• Lutheran Topeka
• Elmont
• Onaga
• Valley Heights
• Randolph
• Highland Park Center
• meadows
• McClure
• beer