Music programs cater to younger audiences

It is never too early to introduce a young child to classical music, but sometimes it may be past their bedtimes.

Klassics for Kids and Music for Young Listeners are programs presented by SIUC's School of Music. They are designed, as the names imply, for young listeners as an introduction to classical and jazz music in live performance. Unlike the full-length performances intended for adults and young adults, these programs are short and take place during the mid-morning rather than in the evening.

The Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra presents Klassics for Kids to the youngest audiences with free programs designed for children from birth through pre-school. The series includes wind, string, piano, percussion and brass chamber music, jazz combos, opera, musical theater and full orchestra, according to the organizers of this popular series of performances. Concerts are held in Altgeld Hall. They include instrument demonstrations and interactive instruction. Performers take into consideration the activity level of the young listeners, but parents and caregivers should remember that the development of listening skills is part of the program.

Performances are set for Oct. 9, Nov. 6, and Dec. 4 in 2007 and Feb. 5, March 4 and April 1 during the spring semester of 2008. Performances begin at 10 a.m.

Music for Young Listeners concerts cater to school-age children. These concerts are in SIUC's Shryock Auditorium. The schedule includes:

Oct. 31 — 1 p.m. – Halloween Pops

Carbondale's Morning Etude Club sponsors this just-for-kids preview of the Halloween Pops concert scheduled for Halloween evening. It features Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" — and some surprises as well. Children should come in costume. There is $2 fee for this performance.

Nov. 8 — 1 p.m. – Puccini's Gianni Schicchi

This free performance is a fully staged one-act comedy opera, sung in English with English super titles projected for the audience's convenience. Music for Young Listeners organizers say this performance is more suitable for high school-age students rather than younger school children. Timothy J. Fink, director, will explain opera fundamentals before the performance begins.

Feb. 19 — 10 a.m. – Stars of Altgeld

This free performance features excerpts from the evening concert, which presents solo competition winners and a symphonic work.

- Andrea Hahn