Clarinetist Jesse McCandless Performed for Milton Students
The principal clarinetist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra taught over 200 students at Alpharetta Elementary School.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Classical
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Jesse McCandless, principal clarinetist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, held an educational performance for students in the third, fourth, and fifth grades at Alpharetta Elementary School. The event was part of Music Milton's second season of community programming.
Why it matters
The program aims to foster a local appreciation for classical music by creating direct musical experiences for the community. Through these sessions, students learn foundational concepts including scales, pitch, harmony, and chord qualities.
The performance engaged more than 200 students in core musical concepts like melody and harmony. McCandless utilized an A-flat clarinet to demonstrate specific acoustic properties to the group.
The players
Jesse McCandless
He serves as the principal clarinetist for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Music Milton
This local organization provides community-focused musical programming and education.
The details
During the session, McCandless taught students about the foundations of music theory while demonstrating the unique characteristics of the A-flat clarinet. The visit marked a milestone in the Music Milton initiative, which has focused on building musical literacy since its launch.
Timeline
May 2025: Music Milton organization launched.
Sept. 14, 2026: Jesse McCandless performed at Alpharetta Elementary School.
Oct. 10, 2026: Mozart in Milton concert at Birmingham United Methodist Church.
Industry Dynamics
This event aligns with the broader push by regional arts organizations to expand educational outreach to younger demographics. It follows the model set by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's educational outreach initiatives to increase student engagement with classical music.
Families can purchase tickets for the upcoming Mozart in Milton concert for $40 for adults and $10 for students. The performance will take place at the Birmingham United Methodist Church.
The takeaway
Engaging students with live demonstrations of instruments can demystify complex musical concepts for young listeners. Local community programs play an essential role in providing access to professional musicians who might otherwise perform only in major metropolitan halls.
What happens next
Music Milton will host a Mozart in Milton concert at the Birmingham United Methodist Church on Oct. 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. featuring Laura Ardan, William Ransom, and The Vega Quartet.
Further reading
For more information on local performances, visit the Classical section.
More information
Find Mozart in Milton concert ticket information on the official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Appen Media.
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