The Musical Journeys Program of the School of Music concludes its eighth season of free events designed to appeal to very young children, with concerts on Saturday, April 26, at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., at the Dunkirk Free Library at 536 Central Ave.
Selected student ensembles from the Fredonia School of Music are featured in the series of half-hour Children's Concerts on four Saturday mornings during the academic year.
Planned with the help of SUNY 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. In the child-friendly environment, performers will invite the children to sit on the floor close to the musicians; family members are encouraged to bring blankets or carpet squares to sit on. Strollers can be parked around the edges of the seating area.
“It's wonderful to see the musical relationship between the children and the college student performers develop as the concert progresses. The musicians are sharing music they love, and the children certainly respond to that,” said Sarah Hamilton, associate professor of oboe and co-organizer.
A guitar quartet will perform at the April 26 concert, including Fredonia School of Music musicians Devon Kelly (Orchard Park), Joshua Erb (Penn Yan), Matthew Mazanek (Mastic Beach), and Matthew Downey (Fredonia).
"The Children's Concerts are enjoyable, child-appropriate opportunities for very young children to interact with music and musicians. For the young audience and the performers, music becomes a playmate to join in a thrilling adventure.” said Jill Reese, assistant professor of music and co-organizer at the Fredonia School of Music. “During these events, learning and teaching among the children and the student musicians is mutual: children learn about music through moving, listening, and creating, and our student musicians learn to engage young imaginations and ignite new musical passions!”
The Children's Concert Series is part of the Musical Journeys Program, a community outreach project offered by the Fredonia School of Music. More information is available at www.fredonia.edu/music/community/ccs.asp or call 716-673-4628.
