Children’s Concerts conclude with Brass Ensemble

“Music just for kids:” 22-month-old Marlo Huestis of Fredonia tries her hand on the gyil, an African xylophone.  Pictured from left to right are Greg Detwiler, Michelle Deierlein, Shawn Huestis (Marlo’s father), and Marlo.

The Musical Journeys Program of the Fredonia School of Music has launched a new series of free concerts designed to appeal to very young children. Selected student ensembles from the Fredonia School of Music will perform four, half-hour Children’s Concerts on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. concluding on April 28 in the multi-purpose room of the Chautauqua County Home, 10836 Temple Rd. in Dunkirk.

Planned with the help of Fredonia faculty who are experts in music and education, the concerts are designed to introduce very young audiences (from infants to 6 year-olds) to musical instruments. The child-friendly environment will invite the children to sit on the floor close to the musicians so family members are encouraged to bring blankets or carpet squares to sit on. Strollers can be parked around the edges of the seating area.

“This venue gives preschool children a great chance to get close to the musicians and the music; to really participate and experience music intended just for them,” said Dr. Sarah Hamilton, associate professor of oboe at the Fredonia School of Music.

A brass ensemble will perform the final concert on April 28. The musicians are Fredonia music students Bryan Plunkett of Amherst, NY (trumpet), Nick DelBello of Sloan, NY (trumpet), Dana Barrett of Gates, NY (horn), Andrew Bennett of Eden, NY (trombone) and Andrew Ehnes of Cheektowaga, NY (tuba).

“Young children enjoy music when they can really see and hear what is happening, and when the program is brief and entertaining.” said Dr. Katherine M. Levy, assistant professor of music at the Fredonia School of Music. “The music students here are wonderful artists, and the Children’s Concerts will give them the opportunity to begin winning over the audiences of the future.”

The Children’s Concert Series is part of the Musical Journeys Program, a community outreach project offered by the Fredonia School of Music. For more information, please visit the website or call  716-673-4628.