From the flute to the tuba, kids will be able to take their pick Tuesday at Oklahoma City University Wind Philharmonic’s 10th annual Children’s Concerts and Instrumental Petting Zoo.
Three free concerts will take place in OCU’s Wanda L. Bass Music Center, 2501 N. Blackwelder, followed by instrumental “petting zoos” after the first two, which allow children to try out any of the instruments they want.
“We want to get kids interested in picking up and playing musical instruments,” said Matt Mailman, director of bands and professor of conducting at OCU. “It’s one thing to play a concert for the kids, but then to let them get hands-on experience with the instruments really seems to be what makes them excited about playing in the future.”
Members of the OCU Wind Philharmonic will interact with and supervise the kids as they experience for themselves what it’s like to make music — something that Mailman said is important.
“There have been numerous studies that show students who are involved in music or play musical instruments do very well academically,” he said. “Music is such an important part of our everyday lives and it has a lot of benefits.”
The three free concerts will be at 10:15 a.m., noon and 8 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 208-5227 or visit okcu.edu/music. —Courtney Silva
