Presented by Industrial Alliance Pacific Life and TELUS

Here's some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Vancouver Symphony's Elementary School Concerts presented by Industrial Alliance Pacific.

How do schools register?
There are several ways to register for an Elementary School concert:

• Order online (credit card only) – preferred option
• Download the order form online and mail (credit card or cheque payment)
• Complete the order form (mailed to schools in September) and mail it with your deposit or full payment
  Mailing address: Education, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5G1

Telephone reservations will not be accepted.

Where are the concerts held?
At the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver, located on the corner of Smithe and Seymour Streets. Please use the Smithe Street entrance upon arrival.

What time do the concerts start and how early should we arrive?
We have two performances scheduled daily when presenting elementary school concerts and they begin at 10:00am and 12:00noon. The doors will open 45 minutes before each performance so please arrive in plenty of time to be settled in your seats 10 minutes before the concert begins.

How long is the concert?
Approximately 50 minutes.

What is the cost?

Students: $6.50 (incl. HST)
Teachers: One teacher per class admitted free of charge. Special Needs Assistants admitted free of charge.
Chaperones: One adult per 10 students will be free.
Additional adults: $6.50 (incl. HST)

When is payment required?
Full payment is required no later than 3 weeks before the concert. Full balance payments for the 2011/12 season will be accepted starting from September 6, 2011.

If placing an order after September 6, 2011, you may choose to pay in full, or hold your seats with a non-refundable 10% deposit, the remaining balance to arrive 3 weeks prior to the concert. Orders placed before September 6, 2011 must be accompanied by a non-refundable 10% deposit only. VSO Education reserves the right to cancel any order submitted but not paid for by the payment deadline.

Refunds?
Refunds are not given except in the event of a cancellation by the VSO.

How are seats assigned?
Seating is assigned on a FIRST PAID IN FULL - BEST SEATING basis. Deposits hold your preferred concert date and seats are assigned as complete payment is received.

Can we eat our lunch at the Orpheum?
Sorry, no food or drink is allowed throughout the Orpheum Theatre. Alternate locations may be Robson Square (if weather permits) or the large public lobby of the Vancouver Public Library. Both are 2-3 blocks from the Theatre.

Transportation
All schools and homeschools are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the theatre. However, the VSO liaises with the City of Vancouver to assist with drop-off/pick-up zones for School buses. This information is included in your concert day information (sent out one week before concert date.) We advise Parent drivers to check the Vancouver Easy Park website before arrival: www.easyparkvancouver.com

Is there study guide material?
Study guides, support material and music files will be available to download in September for the Intermediate concerts and in late December for the Primary concerts. Hardcopies of the study guide package can be added to your order for $19.95 per pack.

Can we take pictures of the orchestra?
Sorry, no cameras, video or tape recorders are permitted in the hall.

Other Questions?
If you have a question that is not answered here, please call the Vancouver Symphony's Education Department at 604-684-9100 or contact us by email at education@vancouversymphony.ca

Top of Page

Top of Page