Music events to engage children in creativity and exploration
Slippery Rock University’s Early Childhood and Elementary Music Community Engagement Initiative will present four free family music events over coming months.
The first of these events is the “Sing Move Play – Halloween” concert, which is from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, in Swope Music Hall, 101 Central Loop in Slippery Rock Township. After 30 minutes of singing, moving and playing together, children can enjoy themed crafts and games that encourage socialization, collaboration and community-building.
The second is “Tuneful Tales – The City & Country Mouse,” which is 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, in Swope Music Hall. The event will bring stories to life through music and narration, engaging children’s imagination, language development and active-listening skills.
The other events are “Sing Move Play – Valentine’s Day,” from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 14, 2026; and “Tuneful Tales – The Ugly Duckling,” from 10 to 11:45 a.m. April 4, 2026.
The series offers interactive music experiences designed for families with children up to age 8. Led by SRU music education students under the direction of Cassandra Eisenreich, an associate professor of flute and music education at the university, the initiative is rooted in play, creativity, imagination and exploration, according to an SRU news release.
Each event also features pre-concert activities, such as story time, singalongs, crafts and creative movement. After the concert, families are invited on stage for a special meet-and-greet with the artists, where children can explore the instruments up close in a hands-on instrument petting zoo.
“These events are about creating joyful, shared experiences for children and families,” said Eisenreich, who also is the principal flutist with the Butler Symphony Orchestra. “Music provides such a powerful way for young children to learn — through movement, storytelling, play and connection.”
All events are free, but families are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance at www.sru.edu/tickets.
