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Smart Kids

By Diane Wittry

More than 2,300 years ago, the great philosopher Plato said “Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, and children should be taught music before anything else!”

During our own century, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki developed a method for teaching young children how to play the violin. His goal was not to develop professional musicians, but to create “happy children and noble people.”

In the mid 1990s two researchers, Dr. Gordon Shaw, and Dr. Frances Rauscher, discovered the “Mozart Effect” and claimed that students who listen to classical music before taking a test will consistently score higher.

Again and again, it has been proven that children who are exposed to music at a young age will excel. The benefits conveyed by music education can be grouped into four categories:

Success in society Success in school Success in developing intelligence Success in life It is important that this exposure to music be started early in the child’s development and it is best that it is a combination of both listening, and active music making.

The Allentown Symphony is committed to bringing great classical music to the Lehigh Valley with programs specifically designed to engage young children. Our Family Series includes concerts that showcase quality music and involve active audience preparation. Each concert has a detailed educational manual that includes activities that parents can do with their child before attending.

For example, the first Family Series concert, “Time Travelers - The Orchestra Grows Up” traces the development of the symphony orchestra through the last 300 years. As each instrument is invented, it is showcased and demonstrated by a member of the orchestra. In addition to enjoying the music, children can learn how instruments have advanced over the years. Composers featured are Vivaldi, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Copland. This concert will take place on Sunday, April 25, at 2 p.m. at Allentown Symphony Hall.

Before the “Time Travelers” concert a “Musical Circus” event will let children try their hand at playing all of the instruments of the orchestra. What better way to break through the apprehension and nurture the joy of discovery, let alone find out which instrument they might want to study further? Studying an instrument develops excellent eye-hand coordination across both sides of the brain. It also instills a sense of discipline and increases analytical skills. All of these are vitally important to a child’s future development and success. The lesson for parents: listening to and enjoying a concert are important, but a hands-on experience can be the first step in turning curiosity into virtuosity.

The “Side by Side” Concert on Sunday, May 30, 2 p.m., involves talented high school students from the Lehigh Valley playing alongside the Symphony’s professional musicians. Featuring works by Vivaldi, Dvorak, Schumann and Wagner, the concert will be highlighted by pianist Daniel Lim, the winner of the 2004 Voorhees Competition, performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. This is our way of recognizing the talent and hard work shown by young musicians. Parents can do the same at home by encouraging and praising their children for their musical accomplishments, no matter how small. Your goal should be to instill an appreciation for music and the virtues of practice - not to raise the next Itzak Perlman.

Beyond all of this, however, music is the heart and soul of life. It expresses the emotions and feelings that transcend words. It can make you smile, laugh or cry. By introducing your child to great music, you will open up a whole new world for them. Let’s help create a world full of “happy children and noble people.”

If you would like more information on the exciting things happening at the Allentown Symphony Orchestra for children, or to obtain a copy of our educational manual, please call the Symphony office at (610) 432-6715, or visit their website at www.allentownsymphony.org.

Diane Wittry is the Music Director and Conductor of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.