Fun Stuff On Thursday: Music and Sensory Challenges Event

If the wet weather forecast for Thursday pans out as expected, the kids are going want something fun to do. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum has just that with a Music and Sensory Challenges Event, along with an instrument petting zoo.

As the Kalamazoo Valley Museum says "Music is a universal language that speaks to all", so they paired up the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and the Center for Autism and Related Disorders to explore how music can assist sensory challenges. They will have musicians palying at the beginning and end of this event, and in between, a "sensory-focused Instrument Petting Zoo". Children and their family and friends who experience neuro-diversity can use this unique event to discover the joys of listening to and making music.

The musicians set to perform are Mark Guthrie and Greg Secor from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, They will play steel drums and Latin percussion instruments. KVM says they will present "an audience-friendly program encouraging audience members to relax and engage with the music".

Following the initial 15-minute opening performance, a specialized Instrument Petting Zoo will be available throughout the first floor of the Museum. Participants will have a chance to try playing string instruments, bass xylophone bars, interesting percussion instruments, and brass instruments. Symphony staff will be on hand to answer questions and assist. The event will wrap up with a second performance by the musicians, with an invitation for visitors to use some of their newly learned musical skills and play along with them.

This event is Thursday, July 26th at 1pm at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, on Rose Street.

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