Fox Valley Philharmonic to host Children's Concert
At 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, the Fox Valley Philharmonic will offer its ninth annual Children's Concert.
The popular, free-admission concert, under the direction of Music Director Stephen Thurlow, will feature a performance of "Tubby the Tuba," an entertaining and educational narrated musical story about how a tuba in the orchestra, typically relegated to play "oompah" accompaniments, gets to finally play the "tune" with his fellow musicians.
Other audience-friendly, storytelling musical works to be performed are selections from "Hansel & Gretel," "Phantom of the Opera," and "In the Hall of the Mountain King."
Participatory events for kids include trying their hand at playing various string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, plus lining up to take turns ascending the conductor's podium to conduct the Philharmonic with their own appropriately-sized complementary baton.
The afternoon concert will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place in Aurora. Use the parking lot behind the church, accessible from Garfield Avenue.
While admission to the concert is free, production of an orchestral concert is not. Freewill donations to help defray expenses are always appreciated.
For information, visit www.fvacademy.org or contact info@FVacademy.org. Follow www.facebook.com/FVAMPandPhilharmonic/ or twitter.com/FVPhilharmonic.
The Fox Valley Academy of Music Performance is the area's premier orchestra program. From the Fox Valley Philharmonic to the Access to Music, the academy strives to enrich the life of Chicago's far Western suburbs through the celebration of symphonic music.
The nonprofit parent organization includes the Fox Valley Philharmonic, its affiliated youth orchestras, and chamber ensembles. Members of these ensembles represent more than 18 different communities in and around the Fox Valley and Chicago area.
At the academy, student musicians enjoy a variety of musical opportunities, learn challenging repertoire, develop new friendships, and advance to higher levels of musical excellence. The academy's youth programs are designed to take each student's musical experience to the next level by engaging the student in challenging works in a setting with other students of like ability.
Students must pass an audition to gain admittance to the academy. Frequently, guest clinicians are invited to visit the academy to inspire the students and offer specialized instruction and insight for each ensemble and/or section. All the orchestras perform at various locations throughout the Fox Valley area.
Elementary, middle school, and high school musicians may audition for Youth Strings, or the Academy Orchestra.
Adults, college students, and highly talented high school students may audition for the Philharmonic to participate at the beginning of each concert cycle.
Auditions are not required for the Philharmonic's Summer Symphony concert in June. Interested musicians simply attend the Sunday evening rehearsals to perform with the Philharmonic Orchestra.