Often what you see on the stage is only a portion of the ‘Behind the Scenes’ activity that connects both NSA musicians and staff within the community. Many symphony musicians teach, perform at weddings, and belong to small ensembles to assist at various functions. Consultants for both the public and catholic school boards sit on the NSA’s education committee and help us to connect to fledgling musicians and tomorrow’s music leaders. Community outreach projects are developed each year, including appearances at regional festivals and events (i.e. the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival and the Niagara Falls Canada Day). The Niagara Symphony has created and developed two musical organizations, the Niagara Youth Orchestra and Chorus Niagara. Both companies evolved to the point where their mandates differed enough from the Symphony’s to justify the creation of independent companies, which share the resources of the professional musicians within the community. Other relationships exist with Carousel Players, Theatre Beyond Words, Niagara Children’s Choir, the Mandolin Orchestra of Niagara, Niagara International Chamber Music Festival, World of Words and others.

The Symphony is involved in music education, providing in-school concerts and master classes and an annual Summer Music Camp at Ridley College. A creative partnership with Carousel Players Theatre Company resulted in a very well received school touring shows. The NSA also developed a Composer in the Classroom Programme (Primary School), a Musical Encounters Programme (High School), a Youth Club, and guest artist master classes (University).