Symphony presents ‘Peter & the Wolf’ concert for Lee County School District students

February 11, 2026

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Estero High School, Gulf Coast Symphony presented Peter & The Wolf – a symphonic tale for children by Sergei Prokofiev – to hundreds of third, fourth, and fifth graders from all over Lee County!

The concert featured several Gulf Coast Symphony members, Mr. Diego Hernandez as conductor, and Dr. Andrew Kurtz as narrator.

At the elementary school level, concerts like these are often the only opportunity some schools have to see orchestra performances, says Dr. Jason Thomashefsky, Assistant Director of Arts, Athletics, and Activities for the School District of Lee County.

According to Thomashefsky, live symphonic concerts offer unique educational, social, and emotional benefits for students that can’t be fully replicated in the classroom, deepening students’ musical understanding.

“By hearing some of these instruments for the first time, students connect what they learn in theory with real sound — tone color, balance, dynamics, texture, and interpretation become felt experiences,” Thomashefsky said. “Students learn to listen more critically and attentively, distinguishing layers of sound and following musical development across longer forms.”

“Seeing professional musicians perform at a high level can spark student interest in continuing or deepening their own musical pursuits. Symphonic concerts help students see themselves as part of a broader artistic community, connecting school music programs to professional arts organizations.

The Symphony is grateful to Dr. Thomashefsky and all of the school district staff and students who made the concert such a wonderful experience for all.

(Photos by Bruce Jaeger)