Kidsymphony

Southeast Iowa Symphony hosts a special event each November—Kidsymphony—with three performances on the second Saturday in November—Ottumwa, Mt Pleasant, and Burlington.  Tickets are $3 for kids and $5 for adults.

Each year, there is a different theme for Kidsymphony.  We’ve enjoyed a “Super Hero” theme and this year, it was Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham. 

Each child selects an instrument—finger cymbals or a triangle—to play along at certain portions of the concert, when they enter the auditorium.  Now, the rule is supposed to be that the parents hold onto the instruments until it is time to play, but that rarely happens.  So, if you are expecting a civilized and quiet symphony audience, this performance is not for you.  It’s more of an interactive, noisy, diaper wearing, symphony audience. 

We took Grandma Carol along for the fun.

The conductor introduced the instrument families and the musicians provided demonstrations of the various instruments.  The symphony played one song, then it was time for the main feature—Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham.

Interestingly, the conductor connected the theme of the story—unwillingness to try something new—to our current political climate. 

The portion of the story when she will “not eat them on a train” is the boy’s favorite part.  He even anticipates that it’s coming.  Check it out:

After the main performance, it was time to rehearse chiming along with the music.

Then, the audience robustly chimed along with a Sousa March as the finale of the performance.

The concert lasted about 45 minutes.

Children deposited their instruments in boxes on the way out, as the musicians packed up their instruments and headed East for their next performance.

While we have missed Kidsymphony the last two years—it coincided with the week-end we were at Walt Disney World in November—we were happy to be back.  It’s a great way to introduce kids to the symphony and the various instruments and catch some parents who might be interested, too.

Bravo for a great performance!