Sharing the Magic of Music

By Leah Kenyon

In addition to having a fun event for children, the Disney concert has become a way to introduce music to these youngsters and future orchestra students. In between each song, speakers from different instrument sections of the orchestra teach the audience about that instrument and the section plays a part of the next song, so the audience can listen for that instrument. This happens for each part of the orchestra, as the concert progresses. By the end, the audience has learned about the different parts of the orchestra, including viola, violin, cello, bass, and conductor, how the orchestra works, and what is special about each instrument. There is even a section in which they can practice being conductors. At the end of the concert, the kids are invited to the “Instrument Petting Zoo,” where they can actually experience playing each of the instruments. Members of the FCAHS orchestra are there to help teach them to play the instruments. Students also have an arts and crafts station where the children can color cut outs of the instruments and, of course, Disney scenes or even make a bracelet to take home.

This great idea has been a wonderful addition to the Fox Chapel Area community. The concert is fun for the audience and popular with the orchestra students. Mrs. Cooper, the FCAHS Orchestra Director, said that her favorite part of the concert is watching her students remember why they started playing in the first place.