Musical Animals – Compose the Score

Last night I attended a magnificent concert at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Many of you know, The Mann is my client. I truly wish everyone attended … every child, too. It was called Planet Earth LIVE. The BBC’s award-winning documentary Planet Earth was shown on a huge screen in the back of the stage and the Philadelphia Orchestra performed with the composer of the score, George Fenton, conducting. The scenes were breathtaking, awe-inspiring. The music perfectly matched the visual.

Of course, I thought of a way to translate this experience, ever-so-slightly, to a fun-filled experience for children. As different animals appeared on the screen, the music portrayed that animal with dramatic resonance. What if you had an assembly of toy musical instruments in front of your child and you played the DVD of Planet Earth or any other animal-related video? Turn the sound down so your child can create the score! Let’s say you have a melody flute, a drum, a triangle, drumsticks … more like that. What instrument would your child select for the flock of geese flying by? A triangle or flute? How about those elephants? I’d guess the drum would be his choice.  Join in the orchestra … the whole family can participate and you could educate your child about animal life and musical sounds and laugh and smile throughout this musical activity.