Fox Valley Philharmonic offers Children's Concert

Fox Valley Philharmonic orchestra will offer a free Children's Concert this month that is designed to be both entertaining and educational.

The performance begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place, Aurora.

Directed by James Yarbrough, the concert will focus on the theme of "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.

The event will incorporate age-appropriate clear explanations and insights illustrated by various demonstrations by individuals and sections of the orchestra, and reinforced by performances of audience-friendly music emphasizing the pitch, meter and tone color experiences.

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

During the 20-minute intermission, youngsters visit an instrument petting zoo to have 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 programmed for children in third grade and above, younger children should find the demonstrations, the audience participation, and the relatively short, energetic music selections entertaining.

Admission is free, but donations are solicited. For information, visit the Fox Valley Academy of Music Performance website at fvacademy.org.