Denison University's Vail Series is sponsoring Simply Music, a pilot workshop program designed to help parents engage children in the art, variety and joy of classical music. Two workshops are set for Saturday (Sept. 6) in the Doane Dance Studio. The "Quarter Notes" session for youth age 4 to 8 will be from 10 to 11 a.m. The "Half Notes" session for youths 9 to 13 will be from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Cost is $5 per child, payable at the door. No reservations are necessary. All children who attend should be accompanied by an adult and adults are admitted free when in the company of children.

Christopher Purdy, host and executive producer at WOSU-FM, is the guest host for this pilot workshop. Well known to classical music audiences in the central Ohio area, his insightful commentaries both on the radio and in pre-concert talks for Denison's Vail Series bring a lively, informative, and entertaining approach to the task of "de-mythifying" classical music. He will draw upon his experience in presenting music to young children to engage the participants in this Simply Music workshop which focuses on opera.

Through talks, demonstrations by a vocalist and accompanist, and conversations, parents will learn ways to choose home music libraries aimed at being both accessible and stimulating to appropriate age groups. There also will be guidance for parents on how to talk with kids about music and how to create an atmosphere in the home where Mozart will be as familiar as Madonna. A printed handout will be available for parents.

Further information about this new initiative for the Vail Series can be obtained by calling one of the community coordinators: Mary Kay Bridge at (740) 587-1508; Lori Conway at (740) 321-1454 or Mary Frazell at (740) 587-6611. You may also send an e-mail to: simplymusic@adelphia.net

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575