Kids Get Hands on With Instruments at Redlands Symphony Concert

The Redlands Symphony presented an afternoon of free family fun and musical entertainment when members of the orchestra and a guest narrator performed The Toy Box by Claude Debussy on May 17 in the University of Redlands’ Memorial Chapel. The concert was conducted by Co Nguyen. Immediately following the concert, families were invited outdoors to explore the live instrument petting zoo, which provided youngsters with a chance to meet musicians and learn about various instruments, including a hands-on opportunity to try them out. “This concert is part of the Redlands Symphony’s OrKIDstra music education program and is designed to provide an opportunity for children to enjoy live music with their family and learn a little about the instruments they’ve just heard played in the concert,” explained Paul Ideker, President & CEO of Redlands Symphony. “Providing this concert and musical experience free of charge is one of the ways the Symphony makes music available to everyone in the community and, we hope, encourages young people to have music as a part of their life.” Debussy’s The Toy Box was original written as a ballet and tells the magical story of what happens as soon as children fall asleep and the toys come to life. The free Family Concert and Petting Zoo was sponsored by RWL Design and supported by additional gifts from Marilyn Solter and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The 2014-15 season is sponsored by a gift from Ann and Vaughn Bryan.