Kindergarten Composer

Are you a better listener than a five-year old?

Last week I had the distinct privilege of attending eight concerts during which the Canton Symphony Orchestra performed for the youngest of audiences, often no older than kindergarteners. My new piece, "Maysong," was on the program, and I was quite interested to see how they would react.

So what do you get when you combine a Symphony Orchestra and a thousand rowdy kindergarten students?

An incredibly attentive, sensitive, and appreciative audience.

Too young to be jaded and corrupted, they reacted not only to rhythm, but to melodies, moods, tone colors, and musical gestures. They were genuinely curious about how instruments worked, and what kinds of sounds and expressions were possible. The composer in me found more in common with these uncorrupted children then with the general "educated" audiences I have encountered.

Their older counterparts, including a 4th-6th grade group, already showed the signs of negative conditioning. They came with their stylish haircuts, mini-punk or mini-gangsta outfits, and attitudes to match. Already polluted by the popular culture, many had no time to listen to the pinnacle of western culture.

We can all learn something from the kindergarten listeners -- our ears should remain open and curious, with only discernment setting-in during our growing years.

I will say that these children make a distinct point: if you don't enjoy Orchestral or Chamber music, is it possible that the problem is not with the music, but with you?
I have found that I have worked to strip-away the negative affects of popular culture, my perceptions and appreciations for the finer things have grown. So turn off your radio, turn off your television, and approach real art with the eyes and ears of a child. You might be surprised what you discover.