Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Music for the Very Young

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I am sure you won’t be surprised to find out that our homeschool schedule is full of field trips. Homeschooling in the United States is giving us the opportunity to do all the fun things cities have to offer. Atlanta is no exception. We are venturing out a few times a week to experience Atlanta’s phenomenal programming.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has a variety of children’s programming but our favorite so far has been their Music for the Very Young. These performances are held on Saturdays and Sundays in a small conference room in the Woodruff Arts Center. The program is aimed at children under 5, but my Big Little (6) really enjoyed the performance as well.

Your visit starts in a conference room they have converted to a play area. Arrive early so you have plenty of time in this room (think 45 minutes early). There are coloring sheets and lots of hands-on activities.

The kids love playing with the musical instruments. The drums are their absolute favorite. They formed a little drum circle with some of the other kids and were all beating them together during one recent visit. (It was quite loud!)

There are also blocks and books and even a felt board. We really enjoyed taking some time in the room. 

Then you are all led together into the performance room. There are chairs on the side of the room for adults, but everyone is encouraged to sit on the floor. On a small stage up front are a few musicians. Actors with puppets use the space around the floor seating to engage the kids in the story.

We were there for a very tame version of Peter and the Wolf. (The wolf ends up at the zoo after scaring everyone instead of eating them!) The actors spend time talking about each instrument and how it represents a character. The kids have a chance to see these instruments up close as they play their part. 

You can’t take any photos inside the show, but you can meet the actors, puppets and musicians after the show. 

Accompanying Resources 

Part of our Charlotte Mason based curriculum includes studying some music. This fit so nicely into our study. I paired the performance with this Book and CD combo of the full Peter and The Wolf performance. I also used these “color by note” sheets I found on Teachers Pay Teachers to introduce the different types of musical notes.

I use monthly activities from Let’s Play School. Her boxes always include one Usborne Book and a variety of pre-planned activities around a theme.  The Let’s Play School music themed box was a perfect complement for my Middle and Little.

Here are some other music themed books that we loved.

• Story of the Orchestra 
• Famous Classical Tunes Keyboard Book 
• M is for Melody: A Music Alphabet
• Listen & Learn Musical Instruments 
• First Book About the Orchestra 

Amazon links provided, but do check your local library first. 

As you’re leaving the Woodruff Arts Center make sure to let your littles tickle the keys of one of the painted pianos. My kids love this butterfly one that’s tucked under the walkway by the campus entry.

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