The Houston Symphony has a great summer series in the community and we took the kiddos. A high school orchestra had an instrument petting zoo beforehand and it was super fun!
The concert was casual and about an hour, so perfect for families. They also chose really exciting pieces, mostly with great stories.
When we listen to classical music in church or the car, I often ask the kiddos what they think it sounds like. At first we started with, is it happy or sad, is it slow or fast, is it a dance or a walk, does it sounds like the sea or the wind, etc. Now they come up with all kinds of stories, it sounds like a shark chasing a fish or two birds dancing and flying.
So, since the symphony chose stories like Cinderella and the Pirates of the Caribbean, the stories really came alive in the music. The conductor introduced the stories and the music beforehand and I gave the kiddos a brief Cliff's Notes version (I think I just dated myself). Then, the kids kept asking as the music would shift moods, 'What's happening now, Mami?' I loved watching their faces as they listened intently to the music, matching the story with the song. Seeing their curiosity mixed with amazement mixed with anticipation, all with rapt attention was incredibly thrilling for me. I cherish being able to help them learn to love and appreciate music. I hope it brings them as much joy as it brings to me!
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