The Symphony is proud to partner with the Virginia Discovery Museum on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall for its Meet the Symphony Musician programs as part of the museum's Meet Me On Main Street Series. Orchestra members demonstrate a featured instrument, accompany the reading of a children’s book, and host a musical instrument petting zoo where attendees can try their hand at making music, too!
Freeda the Cheetah by J.T.K. Belle, read by education volunteer Linda Smith, with percussion instruments played by Principal Percussion I-Jen Fang.
Who is the world’s very best player of hide-and-go-seek? Join retired music teacher Linda Smith and Charlottesville Symphony percussionist I-Jen Fang as they search the African Savanna for the crafty Freeda, who "runs like the wind and walks like the breeze." "No one knows where she hides, but they know where she doesn't – because the places they looked were the places she wasn't." Then try out a variety of percussion instruments during "Tunes and Tales with a Charlottesville Symphony Musician" at the Virginia Discovery Museum on Saturday, January 25, 10:30am. The program is free with admission to the museum. Tickets are not required, but space is limited. For more information, please visit www.vadm.org.
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae, read by Director of Development Ryan MacPherson, with string instruments played by Principal Viola Ayn Balija, and special guest Exodis Ward from Charlottesville Ballet.
Gerald the giraffe longs to go to the great Jungle Dance, but how can he join in when he doesn't know how to tango or two-step? Everyone knows that giraffes can't dance ... or can they? Charlottesville Symphony violist Ayn Balija and Symphony staff member Ryan MacPherson reveal how Gerald dares to dream – with a little encouragement from an unexpected friend. Then try out your own moves with Charlottesville Ballet dancer Exodis Ward during "Tunes and Tales with a Charlottesville Symphony Musician" at the Virginia Discovery Museum on Saturday, January 25 , 10:30am. The program is free with admission to the museum. Tickets are not required, but space is limited. For more information, please visit www.vadm.org.