Take Note of Cool Music Events for Kids

If you're reading this, chances are you've found yourself dancing around the kitchen with your kiddo from time to time. It's fun, it's an excellent way to exercise and it's good for you and your kids -- and not just for physical health, but for mental well-being as well. When music is turned on, people of all ages react. Babies bounce, young people dance and the elderly sway and smile. Whatever the age and whatever the culture, music has plenty of appeal.

Engaging, educational and entertaining, the power of this medium has long been noted. From music therapy to the Mozart effect, music is known to be a powerful force. But you don't have to stay in your kitchen to dance (or find good music). In fact, I wouldn't encourage it. Get out there and take part in a few of these awesome music events in Cleveland.

The Cleveland Orchestra
Everyone in Northeast Ohio should experience one of the world’s (yes, the world’s) greatest symphony orchestras, The Cleveland Orchestra. With its home base at Severance Hall in University Circle and its summer home at Blossom Music Center, the orchestra provides a variety of musical programs. Their education concerts are aimed at introducing children to classical music, concerts are age appropriate, and many provide hands-on explorations before the concert experience.

The Cleveland Orchestra offers Family Concerts designed for families with children ages 7 and up. Taking place in the elegant setting of Severance Hall, these concerts are often narrated and are generally no longer than 60 minutes in length. Be sure to arrive prior to the official start time of the concert, as there is plenty to do. You and the kids can experience Instrument Discovery -- an opportunity for kids to try out many different types of instruments that they will later see on stage -- as well as other theme related activities (arts and crafts, etc.).

Their Rainbow Concerts series is designed for ages 3 to 6 years old, and these programs provide a 30-minute concert experience. There will be plenty to keep your child engaged as these interactive concerts encourage kids to clap, tap and move to the music. Since they take place in Reinberger Chamber Hall (which seats only 400), everyone has an up-close and personal experience. You can learn more about The Cleveland Orchestra's childrens programming (and purchase your tickets) at http://www.clevelandorchestra.com or by calling 231-7300.

Rock And Roll Hall of Fame + Museum
If you’re talking music, where better to find it than the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame + Museum in downtown Cleveland? Share your love of music with your kids as you move and groove to a number of great family. Earlier this month, the Rock Hall offered an excellent celebrattion of African American cultural heritage and music, theater and contemporary dance diversity at their Kuumba (pronounced “koomba”) Cultural Arts Festival. It's one of many great opportunities for families to immerse themselves in music and cultural history, live performances and lectures, a no-cost summertime concert series and more. Keep your eye on their calendar of events at http://www.rockhall.com or call 781-ROCK.

Paul Green School of Rock

If your kids are so inspired by the Rock Hall, and are already musically inclined -- or at least really interested -- consider steering them to the east or west side locations of this institution. Cleveland's east side Grad School program next month focuses on the music of Van Halen; the west side group has run a series of concerts with music of Black Sabbath, Eric Clapton and Women Who Rock. The gig is that these rock legends' works are delivered by the students, ages 7 - 18. And Green, who has similar schools all across the country, promises that your kids will become "genuine rock stars" and play on professional equipment. http://www.schoolofrock.com.

Passport Project is always ahead of the curve when it comes to "global grooves," music, art, cultural awareness, media and education for kiddos. Their upcoming Rite2Xpress Winter Break Camp started Sat 12/20. Youth ages 11 - 18 will create a documentary video from start to finish -- the final product shown publicly in mid-January as a part of their Global Groove celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. http://www.passportproject.org.

The Cleveland Pops Led by the incomparable Carl Topilow, the Pops have been working hard to spread the holiday spirit to families across Northeast Ohio. Their recent performance with The Cirque de la Symphonie concert at the end of last month was a perfect way to kick off the holiday season with the entire family. This month, the group delivers a New Year's celebration with great music and "laughs a-plenty" in their The 3 Redneck Tenors show on New Year's Eve. Billy Bob, Billy Joe and Billy Billee -- straight from their sell-out show at The Luxor in Las Vegas -- are three "lovable rednecks" who can belt 'em out with huge operatic voices. Tickets and information are always available at http://www.clevelandpops.com or by calling 765-POPS.

It’s time to get out of the kitchen. Grab the kids and enjoy music, music, music in Cleveland!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, M.A. fleminggifford@yahoo.com
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