Da-Da-Da-Daah! It’s one of the most famous themes in classical music, from one of the most famous of all symphonies, written by one of the most famous composers. It is also, now, the perfect way to introduce a young child to the world of classical music.
This charming and interactive picture book with sound panel is like a ticket to a concert hall. Narrated by three mice, Welcome to the Symphony takes readers on a journey that begins with the musicians tuning up. Readers learn the basics: What is a conductor? What is a symphony? Who was Beethoven? The elements of music: melody, harmony, tempo. The families of instruments— strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
But the best part is that every idea is illustrated in sound. Nineteen sound buttons allow readers to actually hear the different parts and voices of the music—the famous beginning of the Fifth, what a clarinet sounds like, what a melody is, and what harmony is. Kids will want to match their voices to the A note that the concertmaster plays to tune the orchestra, dance to the full-throated passages—and, of course, sing along to da-da-da-daah!
Reviews
“The book is delightful and charming and very educational but in a wonderfully entertaining way. She describes and defines every musical term and takes nothing for granted. Even the definitions are done with thought and can be easily understood by children being exposed to great music for the first time. Welcome to the Symphony! is beautifully illustrated and deals with real education without becoming pedantic. This book is an ideal way to introduce children to the magic of music.”
Gerard Schwarz
Music director laureate, Seattle Symphony
Music director, The All-Star Orchestra
Music director, The Eastern Music Festival
“Carolyn Sloan’s book is a delight, for kids of any age! Educational, fun, a visual and aural treat, this book introduces children to the wonderful world of symphony music. With gorgeous illustrations, clear and straightforward descriptions of the instruments, and interactive buttons that play beautiful Beethoven, this will have your kids dragging you to the symphony! I simply adored it.”
Terry Kinney
Actor/Director,
Founding Member Steppenwolf Theater Company
“This beautiful book appeals on so many levels, it will bring the true pleasure of classical music into new hands everywhere it goes. The charming illustrations and brilliant musical recordings provide the perfect sensory stimuli, while the text illuminates every question a child might have about the experience in the most natural and satisfying way. Ms. Sloan is a deeply accomplished and creative music educator, and she brings all her love of the children and of the art to bear.”
Dorothy Lawson
Artistic Director
Cello, Ethel
“Welcome to the Symphony should appeal to both the parent who wants to know more and to introduce classical music to their child, and to a young reader as well, with cleverly posed questions and clear answers to many of the questions that first-time symphony goers might ask. This would be a great gift for that kind of new music lover! ”
Orin O’Brien
Bassist, The New York Philharmonic
“An introduction to one of the greatest of all classical works that quite wondrously includes not just words and pictures, but some of the music itself. And to think that the musicians playing the excerpts are young people as well, members of the New York Youth Symphony! What could be more inspiring?”
–Ted Libbey
Author of The NPR Listener’s Encyclopedia of Classical Music
Retailers
The book will also be available at all major booksellers and symphony kiosks:
The New York Philharmonic Orchestra
The Met Opera Store, etc.