��������

Gregory Detwiler of Webster and Michelle Deierlein of Lake Luzerne (left) watch as Marlo Huestis of Fredonia takes a closer look.

The Musical Journeys Program of the Fredonia School of Music continues its fourth season of free concerts designed to appeal to very young children on Saturday, March 6, at the Dunkirk Free Library. 

Selected student ensembles from the Fredonia School of Music will perform half-hour Children’s Concerts at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the library at 535 Central Avenue in Dunkirk.

Planned with the help of SUNY Fredonia faculty who are experts in music and education, the concerts are designed to introduce very young audiences (from infants to 6-year-olds) to musical instruments.

The child-friendly environment will invite the children to sit on the floor close to the musicians; family members are encouraged to bring blankets or carpet squares to sit on. Strollers can be parked around the edges of the seating area.

“It is wonderful to see the college student’s enjoyment performing for the children, and to see the energy and excitement the children give in return. This venue gives preschool children a great chance to get close to the musicians and the music; to really participate and experience music intended just for them,” said Sarah Hamilton, associate professor of oboe and co-organizer.

An African drumming ensemble will perform at the Mar. 6 concert. The musicians are Fredonia School of Music students Kat Casale of Dix Hills, Danny Paik of Rock Hill, Sean Perham of Commack, Joe Ianaconi of Islip, and Dan Ornowski of Angola.

“Our goal is to present an active, fun, music event that engages even the youngest children” said Katherine M. Levy, associate professor of music and co-organizer at the Fredonia School of Music. “Children’s Concerts help our excellent SUNY student musicians learn how young children respond to music at the same time as the young children who attend experience how live music moves and sounds and feels.”

The next Children’s Concert  will be held on April 10 at the Darwin R. Barker Library in Fredonia.

The Children’s Concert Series is part of the Musical Journeys Program, a community outreach project offered by the Fredonia School of Music.