Saskatoon's Symphony Orchestra makes Time For Toddlers
When I ask you to picture live classical music, does the image of a stoic and stodgy orchestra spring to mind? A pin-drop silent audience, perhaps? Or maybe you are a fan already (like I am) and you know the dynamic joy that live classical music offers…in front of, okay yes, a well-behaved audience. Whatever the case, “live classical music” probably doesn’t evoke the idea of throwing a bunch of toddlers into the mix. But here’s the thing about music: it’s soooo good for the mind and soul, no matter if you’re 2 or 122 (which I’ve heard is an age we can live to now!) and we are so fortunate that our Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra not only agrees, but endeavors to serve the community thusly. How’s that, you ask? Enter Time For Toddlers.
Time For Toddlers isn’t a new program— I took Petra to quite a few dates when she was just a sprout— but recently, I mentioned to a mom friend that I was taking Paris and she’d never heard of it. We just can’t have that. Live classical music for young children is offered in very few cities across Canada and we’re extremely lucky our children have access and exposure to it in our little Saskatoon! Let me give you the rundown, in the event you’re picturing children squirming around uncomfortably during a five-movement piece. Because obviously that wouldn’t work. Here’s what does.
This particular session was safari-themed. Program Animateur Jennifer McAllister, a flutist in the SSO (whose interest in music and the brain led her to become a registered psychologist in the school system) was dressed for the adventure, as was her daughter Phoebe. After a little introduction, they invited the children to go for a drive in their Jeeps whereby the players sprang into action as if they were playing the score of this little movie we were in. You could hear the bumps in the road as we merrily rolled along, and I just loved watching Paris drive to the music.
Along the way, we encountered animals, played by stuffies that Phoebe brought around to the kids to pet and hug, and were introduced to their characters through music that highlighted a particular instrument. And y’all, the Time For Toddlers musicians are principal players who share their knowledge and passion!
To watch the iconic Carol-Marie Cottin tell the kids how long her french horn would stretch if you unwound it… I was wowed as much by the moment as the kids were at the fact. Margaret Wilson shared her clarinet on another “stop”, Erin Brophey her oboe, Allison Miller her flute, and Stephanie Unverricht her bassoon. The kids had no clue they were bouncing along on their safari to the best of the best. I took it in though. ;)
This particular event was played by woodwinds plus the horn, but there are other permutations of the orchestra that I’ve experienced with Time For Toddlers, each just as magical and interactive. If you have a child aged 2-4, these are opportunities well worth marking into your calendar. So do. The next event is April 22, at either 9:30 or 11AM at the Albert Community Centre. The cost is $12/child, supervising adults are free, and registration is now open.
xo
