Family Concert and Music Fair The Jackson Symphony Orchestra takes on a circus theme for a children’s concert and fair. The annual Family Concert and Music Fair provides an afternoon of music education for kids and kids at heart. John Piper plays the role of the loveable professor Felix von Forte, who engages the children and makes them a part of the concert. This year he returns from New York, where he has taken the lead role in the production of the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, as ringmaster of the symphony’s event. "I enjoy working with children and I have learned what grabs their attention. You can’t help but become a child at heart, when you do what I do and watch the laughter and excitement from the children," exclaims Piper. The orchestra will perform a mini concert designed for children under the direction of Maestro Stephen Osmond. And Brian Peterson, symphony musician and music school instructor will debut as guest conductor this year. Selections, such as Disney Magic, Candide Overture, Charles Ives’ Circus Band and St Saens’ Carnival of Animals were chosen to dazzle delight and inspire young minds to learn more about and enjoy music. But that’s not all, following the concert is a music fair with over 20 interactive learning stations. "It’s fun for children and they learn a great deal about music, whether they know it or not." exclaims Nancy Kyro, 3rd year Chair of the event. In addition to the most popular instrument trial stations, where children get to blow the horns and bang the drums themselves many new exhibits have been added to tie with the circus theme. New this year is a juggler, a puppet show, a circus parade and musical sideshows. "We are excited to have our guest musicians come back to demonstrate their special instruments and our clown was so popular last year, we decided to make the whole event a circus." states Kyro. New this year is a juggler, puppets and musical sideshows. Also exhibiting is the Michigan Space & Science Center and Ella Sharp Museum. "The Family Concert & Music Fair is the best family musical event in town. The Jackson Symphony is so fortunate to have the support of the Guild, the Jackson Youth Symphony, and the schools to plan and bring to our community this afternoon full of educational, musical fun," says Maestro Stephen Osmond. "If you haven’t brought your child, grandchild, niece, nephew or friend’s kid to this event, you’re in for a huge surprise!" Music Fair’s - Special Guest Artists
Mini Concert begins at 3 p.m., Music Fair is open until 6 p.m., exhibits are:
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