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Educational Concert Series

One of our biggest embodiments of Arts Without Borders, our educational concerts open minds in the moment, and more importantly, long after they’ve left the building. The Sheldon introduces young people to jazz, folk, classical, world music, dance and more through engaging, one-of-a kind performances. These one-hour performances feature some of St. Louis’ top musicians and educators, as well as several nationally acclaimed artists. At the end of each performance, students have the opportunity for a Q&A session with artists. Teacher handbooks, which include additional educational material and follow-up activities, will be provided to guide teachers during each concert.

 

NEW this season:  Morning Concerts for High Schoolers

In an expansion of our morning series for adults, The Sheldon will offer high school groups the opportunity to attend the 10 a.m. concerts with up-close access to the artist in a Q&A afterward.  These widely varied concerts feature amazing artists from St. Louis and beyond.  Tickets will be booked through our group sales manager.

 

TICKET PRICESOur education shows are $5 per ticket, with one free chaperone/adult ticket for every 10 student tickets.  Need-based assistance available for qualifying schools.

25-26 dates are announced below! Registration opens in August.

2025-26 Educational Concert Series

Drums and Dances

Drums and Dances of Africa

Introduce your students to the sounds and movements of West Africa, with music and dance that celebrate history, nature and community. Presented in partnership with Afriky Lolo. Audience: All Ages

American Musical

American Musical

It takes a good story, lyrics, music, dance and design to put a musical together. Enjoy a fast-paced look at the process, with music from West Side Story, Hamilton and more! Audience: Middle & High School.

Dance the Story: The Nutcracker at the 1904 World's Fair

Dance the Story: The Nutcracker at the 1904 World’s Fair

Enjoy this unique retelling of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker as Clara and her sisters dance through a dream filled with familiar sights,sweets and sounds of the 1904 World’s Fair. Audience: Early Elementary

The Jazz Story

The Jazz Story

Experience the story of America’s unique creation, jazz, from Duke Ellington to Herbie Hancock! A quintet of local jazz musicians showcase the evolution of jazz with a musical, visual, and interactive presentation featuring some of St. Louis’s own musical greats. Audience: Elementary – Middle

Dance the Story: Sleeping Beauty

Dance the Story: Sleeping Beauty

Experience the connected worlds of dance, music and literacy through Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty ballet. Students will learn the building blocks of every great story and will want to dance along by the end of the show! Audience: Early Elementary

The Music of Lewis and Clark

The Music of Lewis and Clark

Follow the amazing adventures of Lewis and Clark, with a musical journey featuring historic and original folk music from St. Louis, up the Missouri River, across the Rockies all the way to the Pacific Ocean! Audience: Elementary

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Wednesday Morning Concerts

The Sheldon will offer high school classrooms the opportunity to attend our successful concert series and have exclusive access to the artist in a Q&A afterward.  

Check out our widely varied concert lineup, featuring artists from St. Louis and beyond! 

Limited space is available. All concerts start at 10 a.m.

Registration opens in August through The Sheldon’s group sales manager.

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Anita Jackson

Anita Jackson | Wednesday, December 10, 2025

A proud St. Louis native, Anita Jackson will showcase her powerhouse voice and theatrical flair in this holiday show. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, she has performed nationally and internationally in acclaimed theater productions, concerts, and music workshops.

Samba Bom

Samba Bom | Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Get ready to dance with Samba Bom, a dynamic ensemble that brings the vibrant rhythms of Brazil to life! Based in the Midwest, the group blends traditional samba with the high-energy flair of Carnaval, offering a lively and authentic Brazilian music experience.

Arianna String Quartet

Arianna String Quartet | Wednesday, March 11, 2026

The Arianna String Quartet is celebrated as one of America’s finest chamber ensembles. Known for its technical brilliance and expressive depth, the quartet has earned international acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

Bob DeBoo

Bob DeBoo | Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Bassist Bob DeBoo is a cornerstone of the St. Louis jazz scene, known for his versatility and soulful playing on both upright and electric bass. A sought-after collaborator, DeBoo has played with artists including David Sanborn, Terence Blanchard, Alarm Will Sound, and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Janet Evra

The Sunny 60s: West Coast Swing & Bossa Nova featuring Dawn Weber, Janet Evra, and Kara Baldus | Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Celebrate the golden age of West Coast cool and Brazilian bossa nova with three of St. Louis’s brightest stars: Trumpeter and vocalist Dawn Weber, bassist-singer Janet Evra, and pianist-arranger Kara Baldus. This stylist program pays tribute to the sunny sounds of the 1960’s, from breezy jazz and swing to the lush rhythms of Jobin and Gilberto.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

The Sheldon’s educational programs are generously
underwritten by the following major contributors:
Arthur and Helen Baer Charitable Foundation,
Sandy Blasingame and Gary Hall, Centene Corporation,
Clean Uniform Company, Edward Jones, Emerson,
Engelhardt Family Foundation, Fox Performing Arts
Charitable Foundation, Barbara and David Gifford,
Sally Johnston, William T. Kemper Foundation,
Krausse-Papendick Fund, Les Paul Foundation, PNC
Foundation, The Saigh Foundation, Steward Family Foundation, Mary Strauss, Taylor Family Foundation, along with many other cherished supporters.