August 25, 2008

School of Music again offers Klassics for Kids

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Music, it has been said, can charm the savage beast, soften rocks or bend an oak. It can also delight and hold spellbound a rather large group of toddlers and pre-schoolers.

The popular Klassics for Kids program, offered by Kara Benyas and Edward Benyas through the Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Music, opens the fall schedule with “Music from Mexico,” a musical tour south of our border that introduces pre-school children to the unique blend of Old and New World that flavors Mexican music. The free performance begins at 10 a.m. on Sept. 30 in Altgeld Hall, Room 112 (the Band Room).

Next up is the now-traditional school-age version of Halloween Pops performed by the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra. The performance is at 1 p.m. on Oct. 31 in Shryock Auditorium. This performance is for all students, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Admission is $2 per person. For advance tickets, contact Toni Intravia of the Morning Etude Club at 618/457-8603.

Parents and other adults, note that there is an evening performance of Halloween Pops as well, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The SIUC Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble and Studio Jazz Orchestra join the symphony orchestra. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $6 for students of all ages.

November sees two Klassics for Kids performances. On Nov. 4, beginning at 10 a.m. in Altgeld Hall, Room 112, pre-schoolers get an introduction to Italian opera. On Nov. 20, students in grades six through 12 may attend an “Opera Gala” beginning at 10 a.m. in Shryock Auditorium. The opera performances for children and students precede performances from the Marjorie Lawrence Opera Theater at SIUC of “The Old Maid and the Thief.” Those performances are set for 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 23 through 25, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Nov. 26. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for senior citizens and $6 for students. More information will be available soon.

The last Klassics for Kid performance of the fall 2008 semester begins at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2 in Altgeld Hall, Room 112. That performance features a dance and holiday sing designed especially for pre-school age children.