Article Coast to Coast: Arts Places and Spaces
Need to round out your child’s arts education? Check out these 15 museums, theaters, and more that will help you cultivate a strong love for the arts in your kids
A Parents’ Field Guide to the Symphony
The basics for a harmonious outing
Here are some tips to minimize the fuss and maximize the fun of your concert-going experience.
Before you even leave home...
• Look online. Check the venue’s Web site for educational material about the performance you are attending, including information about the composer(s), and/or orchestra and conductor.
• Dress thoughtfully. No formal wear, but do dress nicely (Sunday best). To ward off air-co chill, bring sweaters or jackets.
• Arrive early. Thirty minutes is ideal. Latecomers are usually not seated until intermission. If you have time, let your kids explore the venue. Hit the bathroom before taking your seats.
• Turn off, tune in. Switch off your electronic devices, then make sure your kids have turned off theirs. Warn them not to text-message or take photographs during the performance.
• Bone up. Study the program with your kids. Make note of which pieces have more than one movement (symphonies and concertos, for example). Play “I spy” with instruments or other items on the stage.
• Don’t miss this opportunity! Before and after family-friendly concerts, many symphonies offer hands-on musical activities for kids. Children can watch demonstrations by orchestra members, play interactive games, or try out instruments on their own. Be sure to check your venue’s Web site for details about these special programs.
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Writer
Amy Dunkleberger
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Editor
Doug Cooney
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Producer
Kenny Neal
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Updated
January 21, 2020
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Kennedy Center Education Digital Learning
Eric Friedman
Director, Digital Learning
Kenny Neal
Manager, Digital Education Resources
Tiffany A. Bryant
Manager, Operations and Audience Engagement
JoDee Scissors
Content Specialist, Digital Learning
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Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;
Prince Charitable Trusts; Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Volkswagen Group of America; Jackie Washington; GRoW @ Annenberg and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family; Wells Fargo; and generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts..
The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.