15 February 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Twice a year, hundreds of kids across Kansas come to Century II. The students are ready to be enriched by the Wichita Symphony.
The Young People’s Concerts offer students unfamiliar with classical music an opportunity to be enlightened. The symphony performs a show that’s tailor-made for them.
“This is giving them little snippets of music, and there’s a storyline here. There’s an actor who will take them through the story, introduce them to some musical terms, talking about the music,” said Don Reinhold, CEO of Wichita Symphony.
The concert is filled with familiar sounds.
“This is a great way for them to experience the transformative power of being excited about music,” said Catherine Tummons, orchestra director at Christa McAuliffe Academy. “Then, they end up eventually hopefully being in orchestra or band or choir, whatever they decide.”
Students move with the rhythm as the orchestra sets the tone of growth.
“It allows children to expand their horizons, make decisions, function together as colleagues and teams,” Reinhold said.
A performance that’s moved students for over 70 years.
“If they’re excited about it, they won’t let it die because they’ll be the next audience that keeps it going,” Tummons said.
Aside from the Young People’s Concerts, the Wichita Symphony offers a youth concert band.
Applications are open until March 1.