On Saturday, February 7 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, members of the Helena Symphony Orchestra continue this Season’s Education Concerts with a Symphony Kids program titled Frasier the Frog & His Violin. The concert explores how melodies are created and shape works of music, and the performance is also an interactive program including costumed actors, narrator, and the musicians of the Helena Symphony Orchestra.
Created for children ages 5 to 10, Symphony Kids is a free one hour concert for all children 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.
“Live instrumental music is a wonder to discover,” says Barbara Berg, HSO Principal Flute and one of the creators of the program. “These concerts are designed to make a personal and relevant connection with the children, and 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 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. “The concert will explore various levels of dynamics from gradual shifts to sudden changes that determine how music makes an impact on the listeners,” explains Music Director Allan R. Scott. After this season’s most popular programs include The Tortoise & The Hare and The Lion & The Mouse, this concert continues the successful program with fun music discoveries. Frasier the Frog & His Violin features the strings of the Helena Symphony Orchestra performing the lush and melodic string serenades of Carl Nielsen and Antonín Dvořák.
“The Symphony Kids concerts also capture important life lessons,” explains Symphony Kids writer and music educator Barb Berg. “While we will experience the power of melody in music, we will also learn the importance of friendship and acceptance.”
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 Kiwanis Club of Helena, The Sidney E. Frank Foundation, and Mignon & Ron Waterman.