Educational Concerts
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.
Educational Concert Series
Education Concerts are $5 per ticket, with one free chaperone/adult ticket for every 10 student tickets. Need-based assistance available for qualifying schools.
Teacher Handbooks are provided for use before and after the visit, which include additional educational materials and follow-up activities.
Links below will take you to Explorable Places, our educational registration partner.
Drums & Dances of Africa
February 25, 10:30 a.m., April 16, 10 a.m. & April 17, 10 a.m.
SOLD OUT: February 24, 10:30 a.m., February 26, 10:30 a.m. & February 27, 10:30 a.m.
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
February 18, 10:30 a.m. & April 1, 10 a.m.
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
SOLD OUT!
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
March 3, 10 a.m. & March 31, 10:30 a.m.
SOLD OUT: February 3, 10:30 a.m.
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
February 19, 10 a.m., April 23, 10 a.m. & April 24, 10:30 a.m.
SOLD OUT: February 20, 10:30 a.m.
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.
February 19: Buy TicketsApril 23: Buy TicketsApril 24: Buy Tickets
The Music of Lewis and Clark
February 4, 10:30 a.m., March 5, 10 a.m. & April 2, 10:30 a.m.
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.
February 4: Buy TicketsMarch 5: Buy TicketsApril 2: Buy Tickets
Wednesday Morning Concerts
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.
Wednesday Morning Concerts are $15 per ticket, with a minimum group of 20 and available to high school students only. One free chaperone ticket is included per 20 students. Need-based assistance is not available for these concerts.
Please contact The Sheldon’s marketing department to register for Wednesday morning concerts. Registration begins in August.
25-26 dates are announced below!
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 | 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 | 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.
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.
