ANDERSON — More than 1,3000 fifth-graders will come together Tuesday for an Anderson Symphony Orchestra concert designed especially for them in the annual Symphony for Kids program.

Students visiting the Paramount Theatre will be from Anderson Community Schools, South Madison Community Schools and Frankton-Lapel Community Schools, as well as private and church-based schools.

The program this year includes excerpts from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” a Sousa march, the “Washington Post,” Bach’s “Fugue in G Minor” and performance “surprises.”

“One of the most enjoyable concerts we do all year is the Symphony for Kids,” said Anderson Symphony conductor and musical director Rick Sowers. “They bring so much energy to the experience; it’s infectious. For most of these kids, it is the first time they’ve ever heard a live orchestra.”

Every student receives a program booklet, delivered to their schools a few weeks prior to the concert, that includes background information on all the instruments in the orchestra, a paragraph on each of the composers, a brief history of the Paramount, as well as games and activities rooted in classical music. The music teachers also get a CD of the music that will be performed.

“One of the most exciting features of the Symphony for Kids, at least for the students, is the call-in contest,” said Nancy Wood, ASO executive director. “For three nights prior to the concert, students listen to Indiana Public Radio at a designated time. If they can identify the piece and the composer, they quickly call the Symphony office,” Wood continued. “There will be five winners each night; 15 students will receive gift packs at the concert courtesy of the ASO Friends.”

“We so appreciate Vectren Energy, the Madison County Community Foundation, and the Arts Club of Anderson for sponsoring the Symphony for Kids this year,” said Wood.