On Saturday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, members of the Helena Symphony Orchestra continue this year’s Education Concert Series with the final Symphony Kids concert of the Season. Created for children ages 5 to 10, Symphony Kids is a free one-hour concert for audiences of all ages and their and their families. As one of the Symphony’s educational programs, Symphony Kids brings the power of live instrumental music into the hearts of children with specific concerts designed to introduce them to the world of music and instruments.
Titled The Little Engine That Could, the concert features music from the brass and percussion sections of the Helena Symphony Orchestra performing music of Richard Wagner, including the exciting Ride of the Valkyries, and Edvard Grieg’s popular In the Hall of the Mountain King. Complete with costumed actors and narrator, the concert explores the use of tempo in music incorporated into the well-known children’s story.
“The Symphony Kids concerts also capture important life lessons,” explains Symphony Education Coordinator Barb Berg. This concert teaches the moral the importance to believe in yourself and never give up. “These concerts are designed to make a personal and relevant connection with the children, and we are thrilled to offer these fun, imaginative, and interactive performances by the Symphony musicians and actors,” explains Barb Berg. “This introduction of classical music to children becomes a friendship that lasts a lifetime.”
Performed in the more intimate setting of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, children get to enjoy up-close and personal performances meant to enrich and enhance the music education in the Helena area. Symphony Kids is a 35-minute free concert, and children receive an activity book, and are welcomed to enjoy the Instrument Petting Zoo sponsored by Piccolo’s Music immediately following the concert in the lobby.
Symphony Kids is sponsored by generous support from Blue Cross Blue Shield, American Chemet, the Base Camp, Montana Cultural Trust, and Mignon & Ron Waterman.