Jackson Symphony League Holds 29th Annual Color of Music Art Contest
Originally Published December 2014
Each year, kindergarten through eighth grade students across West Tennessee share their artistic talent and creativity producing beautiful artwork for the Jackson Symphony League’s Color of Music interpretive art contest. The pictures they paint and draw have brought to life the various music selections chosen over the years for the contest. Students do not have to be skilled or trained artists to participate in the competition. The student is challenged to share his or her interpretation, which alone is art.
This is the 29th year the art contest has been held with the goals of:
• Providing an opportunity for listening to and visually interpreting classical music.
• Increasing awareness of The Jackson Symphony and familiarize students with repertoires presented by The Jackson Symphony.
• Encouraging a lifelong appreciation of symphonic music by young people.
The music selections this year are Rachmaninov – Piano Concerto No. 2 and Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5. Both pieces will be performed by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra under the conductorship of Paul Haas at “The Romantic” Classical Concert on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Students are to listen to the music and choose one piece to interpret through art.
When listening to music, several pictures may come to mind depending upon the tune, the instruments used in the music, and the personal experiences of the listener. The interpretation of a piece of music is not the same from one person to another. Through the annual Color of Music art contest, students are able to express themselves using artwork as their voice to share their interpretation of a piece of music.
There are a number of categories for which students will be recognized and all top award winners will receive a plaque and a cash prize. Their artwork will also be professionally framed. These four winning entries will be featured in publications of The Jackson Symphony and The Jackson Symphony League, as well as on The Jackson Symphony website.
Previous Home School Winners
See home school winners from the 27th Annual.
See home school winners from the 26th Annual.
Student winners will be presented at the awards ceremony on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Finalist entries will also be on display.
The contest is open to students in Madison County and its surrounding counties (i.e.: Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Madison, McNairy, and Weakley) only. If your home school student would like to participate, please e-mail Jennifer Smeltser, home school contact, to receive the contest packet.
All art submissions must be submitted to Jennifer Smeltser by Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Please contact Jennifer Smeltser, home school coordinator, at [email protected] if your student would like to participate. The music and required labeling materials will be sent to you, and arrangements may be made for the delivery of the art submissions.
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and Outpatient Center is partnering with The Jackson Symphony League to support this annual project.
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