Auburn families are in for a treat as the Auburn Symphony Orchestra announces its latest offering for young music enthusiasts. The “Rhythm and Rhymes Story Hour” combines the exciting worlds of music and literature in a series of free interactive sessions designed especially for children. This program pairs talented orchestra musicians with local librarians to create an engaging experience that entertains while educating youngsters about the world of music.
Each session promises to be a sensory experience, where children can listen to engaging stories while experiencing live musical demonstrations. Orchestra members will introduce their instruments, explaining how they work and the unique sounds they produce, while librarians select complementary storybooks that explore musical themes.
Children will discover concepts like rhythm and dance, and learn how music can express different emotions and tell stories without words. This collaboration aims to spark creativity and a love for both music and reading in young minds.
The Rhythm and Rhymes Story Hour offers a comprehensive learning experience for children of all ages. During each session, an Auburn Symphony Orchestra musician will provide a demonstration of their instrument, allowing children to observe the mechanics behind the music they hear. Young attendees will learn about different instrument families, how sound is produced, and basic musical concepts in an accessible, age-appropriate manner.
Meanwhile, Auburn librarians will carefully select and read storybooks that complement the musical themes, creating connections between literature and music.
Educational themes explored during these sessions include the fundamentals of rhythm and dance, how music conveys emotions, and the role of music in different cultures and storytelling traditions. Children are encouraged to participate actively by clapping along to rhythms, moving to the music, and asking questions about the instruments.
This interactive approach helps develop listening skills, musical appreciation, and connections that support early learning development. By witnessing professional musicians and librarians work together, children also see firsthand how different art forms can enhance one another.
The Rhythm and Rhymes Story Hour takes place at the Auburn Library, creating an accessible cultural experience within our community. Perhaps the most appealing aspect for families is that these sessions are completely free of charge, removing financial barriers to quality arts education.
At the end of each story time, children receive a music-themed craft to take home, extending the learning experience beyond the event itself. These crafts reinforce concepts introduced during the session and provide opportunities for continued creative expression at home.
This collaboration between the Auburn Symphony Orchestra and the Auburn Library represents an investment in our community’s youngest members. Research consistently shows that early exposure to music and literature supports cognitive development, language acquisition, and emotional intelligence in children. By combining musical demonstrations with storytelling, the program engages multiple learning styles simultaneously.
Parents report that children who attend these sessions often develop increased interest in both reading and music, with many expressing curiosity about learning to play instruments themselves. The program provides a foundation for lifelong appreciation of the arts while creating cherished memories for Auburn families.
