Space Coast Symphony

Aaron T. Collins (l), Artistic Conductor of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, is proud to announce a partnership with The Children's Hunger Project founder, Bob Barnes (r), for Aspiration Academy, an organization dedicated to after-school coaching, tutelage and social enrichment. Photo courtesy Still Waters Photography

Partnership is Music to Kids' Ears

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra to work with students of Aspiration Academy

(Cocoa, FL) November 1, 2022 – Now in its 14th season, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is taking one more step to help develop the musicians of tomorrow. Already recognized for its youth outreach, the SCSO has announced a new partnership with the newly formed Aspiration Academy. Formed by The Children's Hunger Project organizer, Bob Barnes, Aspiration Academy seeks to fill the gap for students of high potential with limited access to coaching, tutelage and cultural enrichment. These opportunities, including exposure to music, are often cited as predictors of future growth and success. The partnership will include trips to the symphony, class visits, and mentorship opportunities.

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Artistic Director, Aaron T. Collins, is proud to be launching this new partnership with Aspiration Academy, for students --and the symphonic tradition.

"The SCSO was formed 14 years ago with a commitment to the future of symphonic music," said Collins. "We've been working on developing the audience of the future through free admission for kids, our children's programs, and our youth orchestra. And now we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Aspiration Academy. Not only will students have a chance to attend our concerts year-round, but we will work with the young scholars in their classrooms for an up-close and invigorating discussion of instruments in the orchestra family and music in general. We want to build in them a passion for music that will last a lifetime."

Collins is no stranger to the initiatives pursued by Mr. Barnes.

"My friendship with Bob Barnes goes back many years, to when he founded The Children's Hunger Project in 2010," explained Collins. "That organization has helped tens of thousands of children in need and played a vital role in our community. I know that Aspiration Academy is headed for the same success."

Robert "Bob" Barnes is the founder of The Children's Hunger Project, the non-profit organization which helps feed Brevard County's most vulnerable school children on weekends. Aspiration Academy takes the next natural step in positioning above grade level students who may lack the coaching and tutelage opportunities to thrive scholastically and culturally.

"Some children with high potential often lack access to extra learning resources," said Barnes. "We know that learning is not confined to the classroom, but takes place in multiple other positive environments -- like a symphony hall. We're proud to partner with Aaron and the Space Coast Symphony, on this venture that can aid the development of so many children in our community."

Concertgoers aged 18 and under or with a college ID are admitted free to every SCSO concert. For more information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra 2022-23 season or the Symphony for Everyone ticket program, visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call toll-free (855) 252-7276.

ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability. The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices. The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.

Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements. LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their "4 under 40" Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor. Space Coast Business magazine listed him as one of Brevard's "100 Most Admired Businesspeople." Collins is a past recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County. Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community. School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID. In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a "pay-what-you-can" option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert. The non-traditional Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only 19 U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. In addition to maintaining the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, the nonprofit organization provides numerous separate and free ensemble performances. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling toll free (855) 252-7276.