Classical music isn’t just for grown-ups. Kids get into all that bass and brass, not to mention woodwinds, strings and percussion, with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as Super Saturdays strike up another season of fun starting this month.
The DSO hosts eight themed concerts on four Saturdays from October till April. Kids ages 2-5 can attend Tiny Tots at 10 a.m. Then, right after, those ages 6 and older are invited to Young People’s Family Concerts at 11 a.m.
Neither one is exactly the quiet sit-down show you may be used to.
“What makes them work so well is the good quality music that’s veered to kids,” says Caen Thomason-Redus, the DSO’s director of community and learning, “and the physical activities will show kids the fun side of music.”
What activities, you ask? They begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center’s atrium and happen before each concert. Kids meet the musicians and enjoy crafts, face painting – and the popular instrument petting zoo. Here, the pros show kids how to hold and play a violin, clarinet, cello, trumpet and more.
Then, on to the show! The lineup always changes a bit, but returning faves in 2015 include twin brothers Gemini and mom rockers Candy Band. In December, kids experience a youth orchestra, too. All are high-energy, audience-involved events.
“Kids are fascinated with the instruments they see on stage,” Thomason-Redus adds. And exposing them to the arts has benefits down the road, too.
“There are tons of outcomes. They make different choices for school. It helps them think outside boundaries,” he says. “They will remember it fondly.”
Tiny Tots
10 a.m. at the Music Box, $12/show (free/under 2)
- Oct. 24: Rock O’Ween with Candy Band
- Dec. 12: Gratitude Steel Band (Caribbean)
- Jan. 23: Gemini Presents “Good Mischief” (folk)
- April 9: Sean Dobbins and Friends (Dr. Seuss/jazz)
Young People Family Concerts
11 a.m. at Orchestra Hall, $20/show
- Oct. 24: Halloween Spooktacular!
- Dec. 12: Santa’s Little Helpers
- Jan. 23: Wild Wild West
- April 9: Presenting Dr. Seuss’ The Sneetches
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center
Address: 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Phone: 313-576-5111
