SEATTLE SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES FREE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING AND FAMILY CONCERTS ON SEATTLE SYMPHONY LIVE
FAMILY CONCERTS, MEET THE INSTRUMENT AND TINY CLIPS SERIES FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES MOVE ONLINE THIS SEASON
FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY SYMPHONY YOUNG ARTISTS, INDIGENOUS STORYTELLERS AND ARC DANCE SCHOOL
Seattle, WA — The Seattle Symphony is pleased to announce that its full range of educational programs for the 2021–2022 season will be presented online through Seattle Symphony Live for free to the public. From Family Concerts to Meet the Instrument to Tiny Clips, the performance series share musical exploration with younger viewers and their families.
Transitioning these programs online for the current season provides families with increased flexibility to join in musical exploration. The decision was also made with consideration to the ongoing pandemic, as COVID-19 vaccine doses for younger children are still pending approval from the FDA.
The Symphony offers this free programming with supplemental educational materials in hopes that the broadcasts might serve as helpful resources to music educators in Washington state and beyond. Offerings include:
Family Concerts
Geared toward students ages 6–12, Family Concerts help build musical memories through timeless musical stories, holiday favorites and more.
This season will feature imaginative interpretations of classical and Indigenous musical works. Special guests Swil Kanim plays Native violin and Gene Tagaban performs dance and narration with the orchestra for Raven Dance in November; Swil Kanim returns for Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate’s Spirit Chief Names the Animal People in June. Also featured this season are guest performances by students of ARC Dance School, bringing Stravinsky’s Firebird to life. Seattle Symphony Douglas F. King Associate Conductor Lee Mills and conductor Jherrard Hardeman lead these fun concerts.
Family Concerts streams will be available online for one week after the initial broadcast.
Meet the Instrument
Each month, from February through June, Meet the Instrument series brings viewers behind the scenes with musicians of the Seattle Symphony as they share details about their instrument and its role in the orchestra. From playing their first note through advanced techniques, Meet the Instrument shares unique stories and helpful tips from musicians who inspire young ones on their musical journey.
The series is designed to fit first- to fifth-grade music curriculum. Viewers can enrich their experience with companion concert activities such as featured crafts and instrument exploration. Teacher Activity Guides aligned with state standards are available.
Meet the Instrument streams will be available online for the entire 2021–2022 season after the initial broadcast.
Tiny Clips
Seattle Symphony musicians share their favorite stories, songs and musical games in a series that introduces the littlest listeners (ages 5 and younger) to instruments of the orchestra. These interactive and fun virtual concerts are approximately 10 minutes long.
Upcoming Tiny Clips concerts will take viewers on an other-worldly adventure with popular planet-themed songs in a celebration of space, share musical jokes in a celebration of silliness, and inspire with tunes that celebrate dreams. Tiny Clips is hosted by Seattle Symphony horn player John Turman, who previously received a Ford Musician Award for his collaboration on the series.
Tiny Clips will be available online for the entire 2021–2022 season after the initial broadcasts.
Featured Performances by Young Artists
The 2021–2022 season’s Family Concert Series also brings three featured Seattle Symphony Young Artists to center stage. In December, pianist Emily Jeeho Park joins the orchestra in Family Concert: Winter. In March, violinist Amaryn Olmeda performs in Family Concert: Strength. Closing the series in June is violinist Ava Pakiam, who performs in Family Concert: Coyote’s Tale.
By providing performance opportunities like these to young musicians through the Seattle Symphony Young Artists program and the Merriman-Ross Family Young Composers Workshop, the Symphony continues its commitment to support the musical development of young artists in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
To watch the Seattle Symphony’s Family Concerts, Meet the Instrument and Tiny Clips for free this season, please visit live.seattlesymphony.org.
SEATTLE SYMPHONY LIVE
Seattle Symphony Live brings the Seattle Symphony’s dynamic performances to audiences anywhere in the world. Launched in 2020 to offer musical comfort despite the pandemic, the digital streaming service reached a global audience with its live concerts, behind the scenes interviews, educational videos and more. With subscriptions starting at $12.99 per month, Seattle Symphony Live makes engaging with the orchestra’s exceptional musical content more possible than ever before.
SEATTLE SYMPHONY
Led by Music Director Thomas Dausgaard, the Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has garnered five Grammy Awards, 26 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching over 750,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts, and through the Seattle Symphony Live streaming service, the orchestra’s concerts reach audiences at home and around the world.
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FAMLY CONCERST: FIREBIRD
FAMILY CONCERT SERIES
Saturday, November 13, at 11 a.m.
Lee Mills conductor
Swil Kanim Native violin
Gene Tagaban dance and narration
ARC Dance School
Be enchanted by magical birds in this fiery Family Concert! Join us to experience Indigenous storytellers Swil Kanim and Gene Tagaban as they share Raven Dance. Then, hear Stravinsky’s enchanting score, The Firebird, come to life with ARC Dance School.
Family Concerts bring everyone together to build musical memories with the Seattle Symphony. These 40-minute concerts are designed to delight and spark your imagination throughout the year.
FAMILY CONCERT: WINTER
FAMILY CONCERTS SERIES
Saturday, December 18, at 11 a.m.
Jherrard Hardeman conductor
Emily Jeeho Park piano, 2020 Young Artist
Celebrate the holidays with your family and the Seattle Symphony! This wintry Family Concert brings you a program full of good cheer and invites you to celebrate to popular seasonal favorites.
Family Concerts bring everyone together to build musical memories with the Seattle Symphony. These 40-minute concerts are designed to delight and spark your imagination throughout the year.
MEET THE INSTRUMENT: FEBRUARY
MEET THE INSTRUMENT SERIES
Saturday, February 19, at 11 a.m.
Seattle Symphony musician
Go behind the scenes with the players of the Seattle Symphony as they share details about their instruments and their roles in the orchestra. From playing their first note through writing music for advanced techniques, Meet the Instrument shares unique stories and helpful tips from musicians who will inspire you on your own musical journey.
PLUS: Extend your classroom experience! Join us virtually for activities featuring crafts, instrument exploration and concert activities. Teacher Activity Guides aligned with state standards are available.
TINY CLIPS: CELEBRATING BEING TOGETHER
TINY CLIPS SERIES
Saturday, February 26, at 11 a.m.
John Turman host
Seattle Symphony Wind Quintet
Get ready to dance and sing; we are going on a musical adventure with the woodwind family! You’ll meet the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn as you sing and dance along to themes of playing together.
Your family’s musical adventures begin with Tiny Clips! Seattle Symphony musicians share their favorite stories, songs and musical games in a series that introduces your youngest listeners to the instruments of the orchestra. These interactive and fun virtual concerts are approximately 10 minutes long.
TINY CLIPS: CELEBRATING CONTRASTS
TINY CLIPS SERIES
Saturday, March 5, at 11 a.m.
John Turman host
Seattle Symphony Wind Quintet
Are you a bold and bright bassoon or soft and strong like the flute? Celebrate the unique personalities of the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn, and dance along as all these instruments join together to form one woodwind family.
Your family’s musical adventures begin with Tiny Clips! Seattle Symphony musicians share their favorite stories, songs and musical games in a series that introduces your youngest listeners to the instruments of the orchestra. These interactive and fun virtual concerts are approximately 10 minutes long.
MEET THE INSTRUMENT: MARCH
MEET THE INSTRUMENT SERIES
Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m.
Seattle Symphony musician
Go behind the scenes with the players of the Seattle Symphony as they share details about their instruments and their roles in the orchestra. From playing their first note through advanced techniques, Meet the Instrument shares unique stories and helpful tips from musicians who will inspire you on your own musical journey.
PLUS: Extend your classroom experience! Join us virtually for activities featuring crafts, instrument exploration and concert activities. Teacher Activity Guides aligned with state standards are available.
FAMILY CONCERT: STRENGTH
FAMILY CONCERTS SERIES
Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m.
Lee Mills conductor
Amaryn Olmeda violin, 2022 Young Artist
Alexandria J. Henderson vocals
Join us for this exciting performance bursting with strength! Hear the incredible stories of heroic legend and learn about the strength in being true to yourself. Sing along to the strongest chorus of all, the “Anvil Chorus” from Verdi’s famed opera, Il trovatore.
Family Concerts bring everyone together to build musical memories with the Seattle Symphony. These 40-minute concerts are designed to delight and spark your imagination throughout the year.
TINY CLIPS: CELEBRATING SILLINESS
TINY CLIPS SERIES
Saturday, April 2, at 11 a.m.
John Turman host
Seattle Symphony String Quartet
Get ready to giggle as we join the string family for musical jokes! Wiggle and shake out the sillies with the violins, viola and cello as they play music made for smiling.
Your family’s musical adventures begin with Tiny Clips! Seattle Symphony musicians share their favorite stories, songs and musical games in a series that introduces your youngest listeners to the instruments of the orchestra. These interactive and fun virtual concerts are approximately 10 minutes long.
MEET THE INSTRUMENT: APRIL
MEET THE INSTRUMENT SERIES
Saturday, April 16, at 11 a.m.
Seattle Symphony musician
Go behind the scenes with the players of the Seattle Symphony as they share details about their instruments and their roles in the orchestra. From playing their first note through advanced techniques, Meet the Instrument shares unique stories and helpful tips from musicians who will inspire you on your own musical journey.
PLUS: Extend your classroom experience! Join us virtually for activities featuring crafts, instrument exploration and concert activities. Teacher Activity Guides aligned with state standards are available.
TINY CLIPS: CELEBRATING PICNICS
TINY CLIPS SERIES
Saturday, May 7, at 11 a.m.
John Turman host
Seattle Symphony String Quartet
Bring your favorite teddy bear to the musical picnic! You and your family will love singing and dancing along as the violins, viola and cello help us prepare a special musical picnic for our fuzzy friends.
Your family’s musical adventures begin with Tiny Clips! Seattle Symphony musicians share their favorite stories, songs and musical games in a series that introduces your youngest listeners to the instruments of the orchestra. These interactive and fun virtual concerts are approximately 10 minutes long.
MEET THE INSTRUMENT: MAY
MEET THE INSTRUMENT SERIES
Saturday, May 21, at 11 a.m.
Seattle Symphony musician
Go behind the scenes with the players of the Seattle Symphony as they share details about their instruments and their roles in the orchestra. From playing their first note through advanced techniques, Meet the Instrument shares unique stories and helpful tips from musicians who will inspire you on your own musical journey.
PLUS: Extend your classroom experience! Join us virtually for activities featuring crafts, instrument exploration and concert activities. Teacher Activity Guides aligned with state standards are available.
FAMILY CONCERT: COYOTE’S TALE
FAMILY CONCERTS SERIES
Saturday, June 4, at 11 a.m.
Lee Mills conductor
Ava Pakiam violin, 2022 Young Artist
Swil Kanim narrator
Come along on a journey to the mythical lands of animals with the final Family Concert of the season. Hear the captivating movements of the forest nymphs in Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, then join Coyote as he seeks a new name in Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate’s Spirit Chief Names the Animal People.
Family Concerts bring everyone together to build musical memories with the Seattle Symphony. These longer concerts are designed to delight and spark your imagination throughout the year.
TINY CLIPS: CELEBRATING SPACE
TINY CLIPS SERIES
Saturday, June 4, at 11 a.m.
John Turman host
Seattle Symphony Brass Quintet
Get ready to soar to the moon and sing with the stars! We are going on an out-of-this-world adventure with the brass family! Lift off with the trumpet, trombone, horn and tuba while you sing and dance along to your favorite planet-themed songs.
Your family’s musical adventures begin with Tiny Clips! Seattle Symphony musicians share their favorite stories, songs and musical games in a series that introduces your youngest listeners to the instruments of the orchestra. These interactive and fun virtual concerts are approximately 10 minutes long.
MEET THE INSTRUMENT: JUNE
MEET THE INSTRUMENT SERIES
Saturday, June 18, at 11 a.m.
Seattle Symphony musician
Go behind the scenes with the players of the Seattle Symphony as they share details about their instruments and their roles in the orchestra. From playing their first note through advanced techniques, Meet the Instrument shares unique stories and helpful tips from musicians who will inspire you on your own musical journey.
PLUS: Extend your classroom experience! Join us virtually for activities featuring crafts, instrument exploration and concert activities. Teacher Activity Guides aligned with state standards are available.
TINY CLIPS: CELEBRATING DREAMS
TINY CLIPS SERIES
Saturday, July 2, at 11 a.m.
John Turman host
Seattle Symphony Brass Quintet
Embark on a bold adventure with the brass family! Join the Seattle Symphony trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba as they perform musical pieces that help them feel brave.
Your family’s musical adventures begin with Tiny Clips! Seattle Symphony musicians share their favorite stories, songs and musical games in a series that introduces your youngest listeners to the instruments of the orchestra. These interactive and fun virtual concerts are approximately 10 minutes long.
The Seattle Symphony’s Family, School & Community programs are supported by 4Culture, Arakawa Foundation, Marco Argenti, The Klorfine Foundation, Merriman-Ross Family, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Maryanne Tagney, the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation, and individual contributions to the Seattle Symphony Annual Fund.