Elgin concerts teach kids about musical humor

Approximately 7,000 local students will gather at the Hemmens Theatre between April 14-17 to participate in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra's 2009 Kidz Konzerts series.

In conjunction with the ESO's "Discover: Bernstein" festival, this student-geared program pays homage to Bernstein's own pioneering Young People's Concerts. These 50-minute concerts tackle the intriguing question: What makes music funny? From cartoons to movies to symphony masterworks, all kinds of musical humor will be explored, keeping students listening closely.

"These concerts are definitely going be fast-moving and fun," said Randal Swiggum, education conductor for the ESO. "But they won't be lightweight or frivolous. Good musical humor is pretty sophisticated, and depends on a certain level of musical understanding to get the inside jokes. This program is intended to get students thinking and listening at a deeper level, and making connections with how music works like language. And if they're tickled with the humor, even better."

Kidz Konzerts have been well received among schools and administrators alike. This year, despite many districts cutting budgets for field trips and transportation, concert attendance has remained strong with nearly sold-out crowds to all of the performances. The annual concerts draw from many school districts and home school groups across northern Illinois, including a large representation by Elgin Area School District U-46.

"Music in the Middle" for sixth- to eighth-graders will be at 9:45 and 11:15 a.m. April 14 at the Hemmens Theatre.

"Kidz Konzerts" for kindergarten to fifth grade will be at 9:45 and 11:15 a.m. April 15-17 at the Hemmens Theatre.

For information about the Kidz Konzerts or the Discover: Bernstein festival, call the ESO Box Office at (847) 888-4000, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Returning in 2009-2010 is the ESO Family Fun Series. Introduce young ones to the exciting world of music through stories, travels, movies and more.

These one-hour performances are perfect for children of all ages, and with low ticket prices, it is an affordable option for parents looking for something new. Plus, come one hour before each concert for fun activities the whole family will enjoy. Best of all, families can get one child series free with the purchase of each adult series.