Calling all band geeks! March with the Northwestern band
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Tuesday, September 07, 2010
[Photo by Liz DeCarlo/Chicago Parent] Chris De Notto, Chicago; Billy Yates, Chicago; Jed Feder, Colorado; and Lukas Gross, 11, Evanston, march together at Northwestern University.
Every fall, the Northwestern Wildcats marching band members don their purple uniforms and line up on the practice field to put on a different kind of show. There's no football team on the field, no roaring fans in the stands.
Instead hundreds of children surround the musicians. Those kids will grab their kazoos and toy drums for the chance to march with the band as part of Northwestern's Kids Fare concert series.
"It's an unforgettable experience for them," says Richard Van Kleeck, director of concert activities at Northwestern's Bienen School of Music. "And it's a great entry point to get to kids. They might see an instrument and say, 'I want to learn to play the drums or the tuba.'"
Introducing kids to different types of music can start while they're preschoolers through offerings such as Northwestern's Kids Fare and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Kraft Family Matinees.
The CSO opens its doors to children with one-hour concerts that can also include theater and dance. "As opposed to a seated concert, we have live musicians who demonstrate instruments; we have instrument petting zoos," says Cayenne Harris, CSO director of learning and access initiatives. "We offer music adults might hear, but we offer it in a way that is engaging and accessible to kids."
Kids learn about more than just music when they attend a concert. "They're learning how to sit in a group and listen," Van Kleeck says. "They see young people doing something together as a group, that it's fun to make music and that, by grouping together, you can make a great sound."
And remember that Chicago is home to all different types of music. "Expose your kids to many, many kinds of music and see where they feel a connection," says Harris.
Liz DeCarlo is the senior editor at Chicago Parent.
See more of Liz's stories here.
Contact Liz at ldecarlo@chicagoparent.com
Our picks
Bring your kids to the Symphony!By Heather Earnhart on Monday, November 28, 2011 The CSO Kraft kids series offers you a great chance to expose your kids to a classical music concert in Orchestra Hall. Take advantage of this wonderfully programmed, reasonably priced series. Most venues do not allow young children to attend regular concerts. This is your chance! For a unique up close experience take the even cheaper seats in the Terrace section on-stage behind the orchestra. Your kids will love it! And don't forget to head out to Millennium Park on September 19th for the FREE debut concert of the new music director Riccardo Muti leading the CSO. Kids are always welcome at the outdoor concerts! Mine often perform interpretative dances on the lawn. See you there! |
Band Geeks?????
By Stacey on Monday, November 28, 2011
I am offended at the "Band Geeks" title to your article. Why would you allow something like this to be published? Why insult children if they are interested in band? Give them a title that they are "geeks"? Very surprised at your professionalism. I have always loved the magazine, but this is a stereotype and should not be used or even put on a front page of a magazine! Stacey Chlapecka A proud mom of a band member.