Infant to preschool-age music class, instrument ‘petting zoo’ and live performances Saturday at the Cedar Rapids Public Library
CEDAR RAPIDS — Children, families are invited to explore music at the annual Harmony School of Music’s Community Music Day held this Saturday at the Cedar Rapids Public Library.
The highlight of the day will be a community play-and-sing-along led by Orchestra Iowa Maestro Tim Hankewich. Musicians of all levels are invited to join in either in-person or virtually, according to a news release from Harmony School of Music.
“We are blown away by the number of organizations that are coming together for this unique event,” said Jessica Altfillisch, executive director of Harmony School of Music. “We want to create a space for everyone in our community to relax and find some joy, and there’s nothing like music to bring us all together.”
The entire day is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the downtown library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Sponsors include the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the National Endowment for the Arts, Coe College, Orchestra Iowa, the University of Iowa music therapy faculty and students, and the Cedar Rapids Public Library.
If you go
What: Community Music Day
Where: Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
When: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free
For more information: www.harmonycr.org/cmd-2024
Harmony School of Music is the organizer of the event, but numerous local artists and organizations contribute with free activities and performances for all ages. The afternoon will culminate in a play-and singalong performance, craft activities, infant and child music classes, story time and a diverse range of performances such as orchestra, rock and hip-hop.
The Harmony School of Music launched in 2017 to use the “power of music” to transform the lives of children, according to its website. Culturally responsive teamwork is used as a conduit to build positive self-identity and resilience in children.
All of their programs are free to all students, with priority registration available to students who are traditionally underserved. They offer after-school classes for students 9- to 13-years-old.
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For children and families, there will be a music class presented by the Orchestra Iowa School at 10 a.m. for kids up to preschool age. An “instrument petting zoo” provided by West Music is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for people to explore different instruments. Music crafts and activities also will be offered by Harmony School at this time.
A panel on music and mental health for people 12-years-old and older — moderated by Wilsee Kollie — will include panelists Dr. Abbey Dvorak and Becca Kurtz, music therapists from the University of Iowa, and Pastor Keeyon Carter, lead pastor of Wellington Heights Community Church.
For people of all ages, the day will begin with a performance by Stephanie Michalicek, a dramatic soprano and voice instructor at Mount Mercy University.
Cedar Rapids’ Community Orchestrating ensemble will perform at 11 a.m., followed by a performance by the Never Dream Less Foundation at noon. The Never Dream Less Foundation is a nonprofit that encourages kids to have fun with team-building activities, dance, arts and crafts.
At 12:15 p.m., the Cedar Rapids Community Orchestra viola ensemble will perform. At 1 p.m., the Harmony School of Music will perform, followed by a 2 p.m. performance by the Symphonettes.
The day will conclude with a premier performance of “One Voice United,” the first ever play-and singalong ensemble in Cedar Rapids that is open to everyone.
For more information about this event or to register for One Voice United, visit harmonycr.org/cmd-2024
Comments: (319) 398-8411; [email protected]