Carnegie Hall Family Day was music to my ears. The day was a symphony of marvelous, musical discoveries and interactive musical activities. This budding Beethoven loved the music-filled, educational day complete with performances and highly interactive activities.
The whole family came along to discover music through songwriting workshops, create and play their own instruments, join in sing-alongs and percussion jams, listen to musical stories, and explore a digital music playground. This little lady was happily humming and marveling in all the musical moments. I started at the percussion workshop and showed everyone that I’ve got rhythm. Then I tapped my make believe drum over to the Sing-Along Suite where I gave my voice some good exercise.
We had a pitch-ture perfect photo-op in the Carnegie Hall photo booth where I took center stage. Then we pulled up to the Instrument Making Zone where I fine-tuned my creations, a pan flute and trombone made from recycled materials, and joined the band in the Bash the Trash Performance. It was a special symphony!
I loved the pop-up musical demos by instrumentalists from Ensemble ACJW and the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. I played the cello, clarinet, flute, and viola for the first time. And I was a natural! But my favorite part of the day was making my own family song in the Songwriting Lounge. I played with my very own professional songwriter, James Shipp, and created a song about my fun, loving family. Within minutes, we were setting the song to a fast and furious beat, belting out the lyrics and creating musical memories. I even got to record it and bring it home. My smash single is called “Family Dance Party.” It’s sure to go viral.
We ended the day with a concert by the Itty Biddies. The music rocked and everyone was singing and dancing along. Kids and grown-ups alike went wild! I loved the vivacious vocals, unique ukulele, pleasing piano, funky bass, and dynamic drums. It was too cool for words. Encore, please!
I can’t wait to continue making music at home with my newfound skills and decided to add playing at Carnegie Hall to my “to do” list!
For more information about Carnegie Hall’s offerings for children and families, please visit carnegiehall.org/For_Families!
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About Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute: Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI) creates visionary programs that embody Carnegie Hall’s commitment to music education, playing a central role in fulfilling the Hall’s mission of making great music accessible to as many people as possible. With unparalleled access to the world’s greatest artists, WMI’s programs are designed to inspire audiences of all ages, nurture tomorrow’s musical talent, and harness the power of music to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. An integral part of Carnegie Hall’s concert season, these programs facilitate creative expression, develop musical skills and capacities at all levels, and encourage participants to make lifelong personal connections to music. The Weill Music Institute generates new knowledge through original research and is committed to giving back to its community and the field, sharing an extensive range of online music education resources and program materials for free with teachers, orchestras, arts organizations, and music lovers worldwide. Half a million people each year engage in WMI’s programs through national and international partnerships, in New York City schools and community settings, and at Carnegie Hall. This includes 350,000 students and teachers worldwide who participate in WMI’s Link Up music education program for students in grades 3 through 5, made possible through Carnegie Hall partnerships with over 80 orchestras in the US, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Japan.
For more information, please visit carnegiehall.org/Education
Elle Belle is an adorable toddler who lives in the Upper East Side of Manhattan with her magnificent mommy, dapper dad, and baby sister. She can be reached at ellebellenyc@gmail.com.
