Children's Concerts Series concludes season with Jazz Duo April 21

Meren Robledo of Fredonia and SUNY Fredonia student Sasha Rosier of Lima check each other out through Sasha’s bassoon bell.

The Musical Journeys Program of the Fredonia School of Music concludes its sixth season of free concerts designed to appeal to very young children. Selected student ensembles from the Fredonia School of Music will perform half-hour Children's Concerts on four Saturday mornings with two performances at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 am on Saturday, April 21, in the Dunkirk Free Library, 536 Central Avenue, 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.

The Time Traveling Jazz Duo will perform at the April 21 concert. The musicians are Fredonia School of Music students Matthew Downey (Otega) and Phil Tappan (Ballston Spa) and will feature the guitar, accordion, harmonica, bass, etc.

"The Children's Concerts are enjoyable, child-appropriate opportunities for very young children to interact with music and musicians. For the young audience and the performers, music becomes a playmate to join in a thrilling adventure." said Jill Reese, assistant professor of music and co-organizer at the Fredonia School of Music. "During these events, learning and teaching among the children and the student musicians is mutual: children learn about music through moving, listening, and creating, and our student musicians learn to engage young imaginations and ignite new musical passions!"

The Children's Concert Series is part of the Musical Journeys Program, a community outreach project offered by the Fredonia School of Music. More information is available at www.fredonia.edu/music/community/ccs.asp or call 716-673-4628.