Early school years are the ideal time to engage children in music activities, whether it be listening to a wide variety of music genres, seeing live performances or actively participating in music.
Each of these can instil a life-long connection and love for music and develop special bonds within the family sharing the experience.
The 2018 Elora Festival provides opportunities for this in a unique, affordable way.
“Children who are actively involved in music do better in reading, and demonstrate better focus, goal-setting, concentration and cooperation” said Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Robert Larner, College of Medicine at the University of Vermont.
“When children have the opportunity to actively participate in music activities their experience is extraordinary and transformational,” said Chris Sharpe, Elora Festival general manager.
“This summer the Elora Festival is partnering with the Wellington County Museum to feature a series of affordable, family-friendly concerts packed with hands-on activities.”
He added, “We are inviting families to bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it.”
The kids start in the Heritage Barn where they are guided in making artistic creations that can be used during the interactive performance.
Following the hour-long concert, the family can enjoy their lunch on the museum grounds, and then have free options of touring the museum, hiking the adjacent trails, or visiting the neighbouring library.
This Saturday series takes place July 14, 21 and 28.
The July 21 concert, Fiddlefire, features Chris McKhool, of Sultans of String fame.
McKhool will welcome the audience to move to the music and join him on stage to play rare percussion instruments from around the world as they learn about Gypsy-jazz, blues, classical, flamenco, funk, world beat, east coast fiddling and more.
Perfect for the young and young at heart.
Each concert is just $10 for a child or $45 for a family pack.
For more information, visit elorafestival.ca.
