Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra to host annual 'Children's Concert'

At 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, the Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by James Yarbrough, will once again offer its popular "Children's Concert."

This year, the free concert will be both entertaining and educational, focusing on "What Makes Music 'Musical' Depends On Your Brain" as manifested in the brain's experience of pitch, meter, and tone color.

Guided active audience participation will be encouraged to prompt a physical and mental experience of these three music elements rather than merely learning about them.

The event will incorporate age-appropriate clear explanations and insights illustrated by various demonstrations by individuals and sections of the orchestra, and reinforced by performance of similarly age-appropriate audience-friendly music emphasizing the aforementioned "P," "M," "TC" experiences.

Guided active audience participation will be encouraged to prompt a physical and mental experience of these three music elements rather than merely learning about them.

Some of the music performed will include Leroy Anderson's "Waltzing Around the Scale," Rodger & Hammerstein's "Do-Re-Me" from "The Sound of Music," the soundtrack music from the movie "A Space Odyssey 2001," and some of the best-known Strauss waltzes and polkas.

During the 20-minute intermission, an "Instrument Petting Zoo" will be offered where youngsters can have direct, hands-on experiences with tone color by trying out various string, wind, and percussion instruments.

Those who signed up during the intermission can demonstrate their newfound understanding of meter by taking turns stepping up onto the podium and have their moment as "maestro" conducting the Philharmonic's performances of Strauss waltzes and polkas.

While the instructional component of the concert is carefully programmed for third-graders and above, those younger should find the demonstrations, the audience participation, and the relatively short energetic music selections entertaining.

Admission to the concert is free, but donations are solicited. The Philharmonic orchestra's sixth annual Children's Concert will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place in Aurora. There is plenty of parking in the lot behind the church, accessible from Garfield Avenue.

This concert is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For information, visit the Fox Valley Academy of Music Performance website at www.fvacademy.org or call (708) 579-2878.