On Saturday, February 8 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, members of the Helena Symphony Orchestra present a program created for children ages 5 to 10 and their families. As one of the Symphony’s new educational programs this season, 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.
“Live instrumental music is a wonder to discover,” says Barb Berg, HSO Principal Flute and one of the creators of the program. “We are thrilled to invite children to hear fun, imaginative, and interactive performances by the Helena Symphony Orchestra musicians. This introduction of classical music to children becomes a friendship that lasts a lifetime.”
Performed in a more intimate setting, children get to enjoy up-close and personal performances meant to enrich and enhance the great music education in the Helena area. The Helena Symphony invites children and families to an imaginative and interactive performance by string players of the Helena Symphony. Happy Birthday! will not only highlight the string instrument family, but will also teach children about different composers and styles in classical music. The variations feature the following composers and musical styles of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Wagner, Brahms, Dvořák, along with the music of tangos, polkas, waltzes, jazz, and more. “Children will be invited to participate in this performance through body movement and directed listening,” explains Assistant Conductor Breanne Cepeda. “An activity book will be available to take home so the learning can continue outside the classroom and concert hall.”
Immediately following the performance will be an instrument petting zoo sponsored by Piccolo’s Music for children to try out string instruments they just saw.
“Education through music is a critical component of the Symphony’s mission, and we are thrilled to finally bring this program to fruition,” explains Music Director Allan R. Scott. “Symphony Kids is one of our new education programs and one of the reasons for the appointment of Assistant Conductor Breanne Cepeda. The first Symphony Kids in October was a great success thanks to the work of our assistant conductor, music educators, and several musicians of the HSO.” Over 500 children and 200 family members have experienced Symphony Kids this season, so seating fills up quickly.
Maestro Scott explains that “We exist to bring music to the Helena region, and there is no better place to ensure our future with audiences of the future.”
Symphony Kids is supported in part by the generosity of Target.