Mini Concerts
Every year, the Vallejo Symphony presents a series of Mini-Concerts for young children in Benicia and Vallejo Schools. Presented by a trio of professional musicians who are also experienced educators, these Mini-Concerts expose children to classical music in a fun and engaging way. Using an appealing curriculum that changes each year, our musicians, led by flautist Susan Sigge, incorporate school curriculum and life lessons into their musical presentations. Our trio will demonstrate their own instruments (flute, violin, cello), as well as a selection of various musical instruments, including a mandolin, a child-sized violin, and other musical wonders geared to open a child's imagination.
Our Philosophy
Our goal is to expose children to different genres of music by playing works from different time periods and teaching them about music and composers, with the hope of engaging them in musical performance and planting the seeds of a life-long love of music. During Mini-Concerts, our musicians interact with the children to get them directly involved with the music and the performance. Studies have shown that engaging with different forms and styles of music can help children focus better and develop better problem solving skills. And the kids enjoy it!
Our Educational Goals
These concerts are always performed with the idea that children can have fun with and enjoy all genres of music, thus opening their minds to unfamiliar forms and concepts that are not the same as what they usually see and hear. Even if they begin by not liking a particular genre or concept, they end by learning to listen to and tolerate different ideas and musical forms.
The 2010 Children's Concert set was called "Anything and Everything," with an emphasis on the theme "Reuse, reduce and recycle." The children learned that they don't need expensive musical instruments and private lessons to be a part of music. Instead of tossing away an empty bottle, why not reuse it as a musical instrument? In addition to playing on and demonstrating their traditional instruments (flute, violin, cello), the Trio used glass and plastic bottles and cans to make music, showing the children that music can be made with "anything and everything."
Music for the concert included pieces from American composers such as Copland, Joplin, Michael Horvit and Ted Lucas, and pop music from the Beatles. The Trio finished the concert with "Cucina Bella" (Beautiful Kitchen) by Chris Crockarell, which featured Susan, Kerry and Beth wearing chef's hats and aprons, playing on improvised instruments such as pots, pans, an electric hand mixer and a large water bottle. A guest artist from each school, usually a teacher, was brought on stage to play along on the pasta box. The Trio danced, sang and played the kitchen instruments to howls of delight from the children.
Encouraging imaginative interaction is a core goal of the program. During past programs, many children have wondered what musicians see when they are reading music, so, this year, Susan taught them how to read a basic rhythm. The children were then able to sing and keep time with their hands and feet to the tune of "SpongeBob SquarePants." Children later commented that one of their favorite parts of the program was learning to make, or "be," their own musical instruments.
Our Funding
Through the generosity of local businesses and organizations, such as Valero Refinery, Benicia, Target, and Umpqua Bank, we have been able to offer public elementary schools in Benicia and Vallejo a package of two Mini-concerts free of charge. Please help us continue to offer this wonderful service to our local schools. Call our office and donate today!
