Hunting for musical treasure

Young Chang

Once a month, the Orange County Performing Arts Center becomes a

playground for musically curious kids.

They get to run around all four tiers, get to know musicians from the

Pacific Symphony Orchestra and even get to try playing different

instruments.

At the end of a musical “treasure hunt,” their prize is leaving with

newfound musical knowledge -- something Pacific Symphony organizers say

can never be learned too soon.

Part of the monthly Mervyn’s Musical Mornings family concert series

presented by the Pacific Symphony is this month’s event, themed “Tales

from the Zoo.” It will be held today. Children ages 4 to 11 and their

families can participate.

The symphony will perform Camille Saint-Saens’ “Carnival of the

Animals,” Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee” and Aaron

Copeland’s “I Bought Me a Cat.” Each piece will last no longer than five

minutes, in consideration of shorter attention spans.

“We’re trying to appeal to kids,” said Pam French, vice president of

education and community programs for the symphony. “But we don’t

underestimate what they’re able to listen to. We know they like to get up

and be peppy, but we try to mix it up so they can enjoy beautiful works.”

The children will also be encouraged to get up and march to the music,

dance and ask conductor Mark Mandarano questions.

“He does a fabulous job of actually appealing to different levels of

ages all the way through it,” French said.

A musical treasure hunt involving seven stations will take up the

second half of the morning.

“It’s a roving, audience type of thing,” said Michelle Schomburg,

musical treasure hunt coordinator.

One station is called the “Petting Zoo,” where children can “pet” (try

out) instruments. This month’s pick is the flute.

The station “Compose Yourself” includes a visual display about a

composer and games kids can play that teach something about writing

music.

Another station will showcase high-tech gadgets like keyboards and

computer music, while the “Storyteller’s Theater” station will encourage

children to try on costumes and act out parts.

And when does the hunt end?

“It never ends,” Schomburg said. “It’s a treasure at every booth, the

treasure being the musical knowledge that they pick up at each station.”

FYI

* What: Mervyn’s Musical Mornings family concert

* WHEN: 10 and 11:30 a.m. today * Where: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive,

Costa Mesa

* Cost: $11-$16

* Call: (714) 755-5799