Grade school students get to hear symphony and opera.(B SECTION)

Charlotte County fourth-graders from 10 schools and homeschools had the opportunity this week to hear a symphony orchestra. In two weeks, third graders will see a live opera performed just for them.

Thanks to the generosity of two local musicial groups, several grants, as well as the Charlotte County School District and Arts and Humanities Council, such presentations have been possible

Musicians, some of whom volunteered their time, with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and conductor Janita Hauk, brought the glory of symphonic music to hundreds of students, Wednesday. They were transported via school bus to the Charlotte Cultural Center theater for the event which was partially funded through a $2,500 grant through the Publix Foundation with the rest of the $5,000 cost coming from the Charlotte Symphony Society, Inc.

On Nov. 15, courtesy of the Friends of Music, third graders will be bused to the same theater to watch members of the Orlando Opera Company perform the operetta "Caps for Sale."

Both programs have been done for several years, and represent an immeasurable gift to the county's young people who often don't have the opportunity or resources to attend such performances.

Beyond just listening or…