Children learn ‘Tuneful Tales’ at SRU event
SLIPPERY ROCK — Children learned and experienced the power of music with the help of Slippery Rock University students at the “Tuneful Tales” children’s concert in Swope Music Hall on the SRU campus Saturday morning.
The free concert was the first in a potential series of community outreach events by the Early Childhood and Elementary Music Community Engagement Initiative.
The event featured crafts, music and movement activities, a concert, a musically accompanied telling of “The Ugly Duckling” and an instrument petting zoo, where nearly 60 children and their families could learn more about woodwinds such as saxophones, oboes and clarinets.
According to Cassandra Eisenreich, associate professor of music education and event organizer, the concert was conceived as a way to give families an educational outing.
“I want kids to have the opportunity to have music experiences, especially since parents may not be able to make opportunities like that happen for their kids. That’s why the event is free,” she said.
Musical education students Marissa Clatch and Libby Rock participated in the project as part of a work study toward their degrees. They said they oversaw 16 student volunteers running the various stations and performing.
“I’m happy to have an event for kids where they can interact with live objects and be able to express themselves through music,” Clatch said.
“This is a time for guardians to connect with their kids through music, and for kids to experience the music and be themselves,” Rock said. “It allows parents not to have to worry about ‘will my kids sit still during this concert?’ It’s to give parents a break and let kids have fun.”
The concert began with a six-piece orchestra performing a medley of children’s songs including “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Old McDonald,” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Each instrumentalist then spoke about their chosen instrument, engaging the children in a question-and-answer time.
Children were asked to participate in different dance moves during the tale of “The Ugly Duckling,” swimming, running and shaking egg maracas through the journey. Before the event’s end, they were encouraged to experience the instruments up close with the performers.
Margret Noel brought her children, 2-year-old Jack and 4-year-old Amelia, to engage with concert instruments.
“I hope they take away that you can study music in college, and that there’s a lot to learn about them and how it’s a part of our lives,” she said.
Clatch said she learned a lot about event coordination and communication because of the initiative.
“It’s been a really good experience as someone who wants to go into early childhood education,” she said. “I’m happy we created an environment where families feel comfortable. It’s so important, especially after COVID.”
