School Concerts FAQ
During the 2024/25 Season, tickets and transportation to CSO school concerts are FREE for CPS schools.
What concerts are free for CPS?
Free tickets are available for the CSO school concerts and Once Upon a Symphony concerts (Mondays, only) next season.
How many concerts can my CPS classroom attend for free?
- CPS schools are allowed comp tickets for a single concert. Additional requests are placed on a waiting list. Approximately six weeks before the concert, if additional tickets are available, wait-listed schools may be awarded tickets for a second concert.
- CPS schools have the option of purchasing tickets for additional concerts and can do so as soon as their order is received and processed.
How many tickets can be requested per concert?
- CPS: We hope to provide access to as many CPS schools as possible. Please limit your order to 150 tickets.
- Non-CPS: There is no limit to how many tickets can be purchased.
How will orders be seated?
- CPS: Schools should indicate their seat location preference on their order forms. Efforts will be made to seat groups in their preferred locations. Final seating locations are subject to change.
- Non-CPS: Schools can choose and purchase their seats at checkout.
When do I need to order tickets for my school?
Tickets should be ordered as early as possible. Orders will be processed based on the date when they are received. Schools whose orders cannot be accommodated—from CPS schools and non-CPS schools—will be placed on a waiting list.
How do I receive free transportation for my CPS school?
To order free transportation, please complete the ticket order form »
When will I receive confirmation that my order has been processed?
- CPS: You will receive an email at least six weeks prior to the concert confirming your school has seats reserved.
- Non-CPS: You will receive a confirmation email as soon as payment is processed.
When will I know if my school has made it off the waiting list?
If your school makes it off the waiting list, you will receive an email informing you no later than six weeks prior to the concert.
What is your cancellation policy?
- We expect there to be high demand for these free tickets. If a school is unable to attend, they must notify the CSO by calling 312-294-3076 as soon as possible but no later than six weeks prior to the concert date, to avoid displacing wait-listed schools.
- Refunds are available for schools who cancel at least six weeks before the concert. Email Education Concerts to cancel your order and request a refund.
- CPS schools will be responsible for any and all busing costs if the school cancels less than six weeks before the concert date.
Who is providing funds for free tickets and transportation?
Generous donors of the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra are providing support to enable students to attend performances at Symphony Center. To help make these experiences possible for other students, make a gift today to the Negaunee Music Institute.
What is the Kidsbook and when will I receive it?
- The Kidsbook is a kid-friendly program book that contains information and activities describing what students will hear and see at the concert.
- Schools will receive physical copies of these in the mail two weeks prior to the concert.
What is the Teachers Guide and when will I receive it?
- The Teacher’s Guide contains lesson plans and concert information that teachers can use to prepare their students for their concert experience.
- Schools will receive them in an email (along with other important information about your day at Symphony Center) a month to two months before the concert. They will be sent out at least twice more after that. If they haven’t received it in this time frame email Carol Kelleher or call 312-294-3045.
Where is drop off/where should my schools bus park during the concert?
Please see this document for transportation information.