TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A Tyler chamber orchestra is inviting families to a hands-on musical experience Saturday with its “Fiddle Zoo for Kids,” an instrument “petting zoo” designed to spark curiosity and introduce children to classical music.
Weston Jennings, artistic director for the New Texas Sinfonia, said the event will feature violins, cellos, flutes and bassoons.
“It gives (children) a chance to get to see the instrument up close to hear it,” Jennings told East Texas Now. “We have different live performances and they get to actually play my violin if they’d like to.”
In addition to instrument tryouts, the event includes music-themed games ranging from simple memory activities to challenging puzzles, plus “orchestra story time” with instrument- and music-themed books.
Live performances are also planned, including bassoon music featuring familiar selections like “Harry Potter” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”
Fiddle Zoo for Kids runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Fellowship Hall on the First Presbyterian Church campus. A “Mostly Mozart” concert follows at 3 p.m., with a pre-concert talk at 2:30 p.m.
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