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The Gainesville Orchestra’s Mentor Program fills a critical gap in our community by offering free instrumental music education to elementary school students in grades 4 and 5. The program provides an essential bridge between early general music instruction and future opportunities in middle school band and orchestra programs.
In partnership with the School Board of Alachua County, TGO identifies schools most in need of support and delivers high-quality, hands-on instruction led by professional musicians.
Launched in 2023, the Mentor Program has grown to serve approximately 150 students across two Gainesville schools during the 2025–26 school year. Data from participating schools indicates that roughly 85% of students are economically disadvantaged, with limited access to private, fee-based music education.
As Alachua County’s only professional orchestra, The Gainesville Orchestra (TGO) is uniquely positioned to meet this need. The Mentor Program remains the only initiative in Gainesville providing schoolchildren with direct, ongoing instruction from professional musicians.
The TGO Mentor Program provides students with violins and weekly or biweekly instruction from September through April — completely free of charge.
Professional musicians from The Gainesville Orchestra share their knowledge, experience, and passion for music. Through a curriculum that blends classical and contemporary styles, mentors engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning that builds skill, discipline, and confidence.
Students perform in culminating events at their schools and have the unique opportunity to play on stage during TGO’s annual Children’s Concert, gaining experience in a professional concert setting and sharing their music with peers and the community.
We rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and foundations to make the Gainesville Orchestra’s Mentor Program possible. Your financial support helps fund instruction costs, purchase and maintain instruments, and provide transportation for students to perform at the Children’s Concert.
Donate online or contact the orchestra office at 352-336-5448 or info@gainesvilleorchestra.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities for specific aspects of the Mentor Program.
Your commitment helps more children in Gainesville access the life-changing power of music education, while also nurturing the next generation of audiences and supporters for the arts.
Learning the violin builds discipline, character, and listening skills. Music education promotes awareness and responsiveness. Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what our students say.
