EL CAJON – The Grossmont College Symphony Orchestra & Master Chorale will host a “Concert for Kidz/Musical Petting Zoo” on Saturday, November 19 at 3 p.m. at the Performing & Visual Arts Center.
The concert will feature a 45-minute orchestra performance of children’s favorites and symphony classics such as “Theme from SpongeBob SquarePants;” Bach/Stokowski’s “Toccata & Fugue in D Minor,” accompanied with a rock band; and John Williams’ “Duel of the Fates” from “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” After the performance, students will get to touch, pet and play the orchestra’s instruments as part of the concert’s “Musical Petting Zoo” under the supervision of the orchestra’s musicians recognizing COVID-19 protocols for safety.
“It’s a unique musical experience for children of all ages to introduce them to what a concert hall is, what a symphony orchestra is, what a chorale is,” said Dr. Randall Tweed, Grossmont College’s music director/conductor. “This allows us to introduce them to music that they may not be aware of, but that they can connect with.”
Students will be able to go on stage during the performance to feel the vibrations of the instruments. One student will also be invited to conduct the orchestra for a special performance.
“We recognize that even though we’re an institution of higher education, education begins with the young mind,” Dr. Tweed said. “Once you introduce the child’s mind to what classical music, orchestral music and choral music can be, and how it can free their mind and open new avenues of thinking, we have planted the seed for investigation. Maybe that’ll take hold and they’ll start playing a musical instrument and maybe they’ll come to Grossmont College and major in music, but music will always be a part of their lives.”
Up to two children under 14 years old will get free admission with one paid adult admission of $15. Advance tickets are on sale now and pre-sales are highly encouraged to secure a ticket. Tickets can be purchased at https://foundation.gcccd.edu/ConcertForKidz.
Grossmont College’s Performing & Visual Arts Center is a $44 million facility funded by East County voters through Proposition V, a $398-million bond measure approved in 2012 that includes a 390-seat performance hall for dance, theatre, and live music programs. It also houses the Hyde Art Gallery.
Grossmont College has served the diverse educational needs of East County and beyond since 1961. With more than 150 certificates and associate-degree programs, Grossmont College provides workforce training, career development and transferable college-level coursework. For more information, visit www.grossmont.edu.