Children’s Concert: Wild Symphony

Our “Wild Symphony” Children’s Concert initiative provided captivating, interactive programming specifically designed for younger families (PreK-Grade 5), serving as an engaging introduction to the Westfield Public School District’s broader music program. Through Dan Brown’s imaginative compositions, each concert featured a live orchestral performance alongside animated visuals and narrated poems that were directly connected to our elementary general music curriculum. This created a whimsical world of animals, fostering an early love for music, inspiring creativity, and educating children, parents, and community members about orchestral instruments and musical concepts in an accessible and fun way.

Nurturing Early Musical Engagement:
A primary goal was to immerse young learners in music from an early age. By bringing live orchestral performances directly to them, we introduced early elementary and elementary students to the magic of music in an accessible way. This hands-on exposure allowed them to meet their adopted high school Wind Ensemble musicians, learn about each instrument, and demystify the orchestra. Our hope was to spark an enduring interest in music, encouraging these young minds to pursue musical studies as they progress through their academic journey.

Developing Leadership and Community:
The initiative also served as a powerful leadership development opportunity for our WHS Wind Ensemble students. They gained invaluable experience in mentorship and communication, strengthening their own musical understanding by sharing it with younger students. This unique pairing also fostered a sense of community within our music program, building a direct connection between early childhood musical experiences and advanced high school performance. It showcased the full spectrum of musical learning available within the Westfield Public Schools.

Strengthening Family and Community Ties:
Beyond the classroom, a crucial objective was to engage families and the wider community. We had previously not offered any programming to engage with younger families prior to our instrumental music program, which starts in Grade 4. The free evening performance provided an opportunity for all early elementary and elementary parents and community members to witness the impact of music education firsthand. It was a chance to celebrate the musical interests of our youngest learners, and the talents of our accomplished high school musicians and esteemed music educators, underscoring the vital role music plays in a holistic education. Ultimately, this initiative aimed to build sustained support for robust music programming throughout the Westfield public school system, demonstrating its value to cognitive, social, and emotional development.

The deliberate focus on students, parents, and community members in this advocacy initiative was paramount for several interconnected reasons, aiming to create a comprehensive and sustainable support system for music education.

Students were at the heart of the initiative because they are the direct beneficiaries. By providing early exposure to live music and instruments, we aimed to ignite a passion for music, foster creativity, and enhance cognitive development in our elementary students. The mentorship aspect with older WHS Wind Ensemble students offered role models and a clear pathway for musical progression, demonstrating the long-term value and enjoyment of music. This direct engagement ensured the initiative was student-centered, making music accessible and exciting for young learners.

Parents were crucial as their involvement is directly linked to student success and program sustainability. Engaging parents through the free evening concert allowed them to witness their children’s excitement and learning firsthand. This showcased the academic, social, and emotional benefits of music education beyond performance. Informed and engaged parents become powerful advocates, understanding the importance of music in their child’s holistic development and lending support for school funding and program continuation. Their buy-in strengthens the home-school connection, creating a consistent message about the value of the arts in our community.

Finally, community members were vital to cultivating a broader base of understanding and support. The free evening performance invited the wider Westfield community to experience the talent of our students and the impact of our music program. This raised awareness about the quality of music education offered, fostering civic pride and demonstrating how schools enrich the entire community. Community support is essential for the long-term health and growth of arts programs. By actively involving all these stakeholders, the initiative built a robust network committed to the excellence and longevity of music education in our schools.

Promotion and Instructional Strategies (November – February 2025)

Promotional materials were announced through social media, school newsletters, websites, and press releases.

The Westfield High School Wind Ensemble practiced and rehearsed the musical score. Six district music teachers, as well as the District Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts, performed with the ensemble on their primary instruments.

The elementary music teachers taught students about concert etiquette, conducting patterns, and the instruments of the orchestra during general music classes throughout these months so that they would be prepared for what they would see and hear during the concert, further deepening their connection to the content.

WHS Wind Ensemble students created videos introducing themselves and their instruments to the younger students (part of the adoption of an instrument/student component of the experience).

District Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts for the Westfield Public Schools
Provided oversight and management of the entire “Wild Symphony” Children’s Concert advocacy initiative. 40+ Hours

School & Community Relations Coordinator for the Westfield Public Schools
Assisted with designing and disseminating promotional materials to the Early Childhood Learning Center and six elementary schools, along with social media and website posts and local media outreach. 2+ Hours

WHS Band Directors
Planned and ran logistics for the performances. Initiated and organized students to create videos introducing themselves and their instruments to their adopted class. Rehearsed the WHS Wind Ensemble in preparation for the performances. 30+ Hours

Elementary Music Teacher
After researching and realizing that no resource existed, Ms. Toulios wrote and published a children’s book (now available for purchase on Amazon), “Taki’s First Concert,” to support the students’ learning about concert etiquette. Taught lessons focusing on attending a concert and introducing each orchestral instrument as well as the book, “Wild Symphony” so that students were prepared and able to engage at a deeper level. Organized each class to write a thank-you letter to their adopted WHS student musician. Video-taped young students asking questions about their adopted student musician/instrument, which were utilized during the performances. 30+ Hours

Narrator
Served as the narrator and read the children’s book, “Wild Symphony” during the performances. 4+ Hours

Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, Thrillshare, Canva, Google Suite for Education, musical score for “Wild Symphony”, promotional materials provided by PARMA recordings, and press releases distributed to local media outlets.

Our “Wild Symphony” Children’s Concert advocacy initiative in the Westfield Public Schools thrived using a multi-pronged approach to marketing and promoting.

Spreading the Word: Newsletters across the district, including PTO channels, kept everyone informed. We utilized social media (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram) with eye-catching visuals and student stories to create a buzz. Press releases with interviews further amplified our message. Additionally, the WHS BDTV program created a dedicated video showcasing our initiative.

Engaging Audiences: Through weekly instruction in the PreK-Grade 5 general music classes, students were engaged instructionally with the concepts (instruments of the orchestra, musical concepts, and conducting patterns), creating a more engaging and collaborative experience.

Measurable Success: These strategies resulted in a significant turnout at the first-ever Children’s Concert, demonstrating increased community support. Student participation flourished, fostering school pride and encouraging artistic exploration. News articles and social media posts further elevated public awareness of the importance of music education.

$975 total to secure the rights to the musical score and promotional materials for “Wild Symphony”

Executing our “Wild Symphony” music advocacy initiative, which spanned three different school buildings, presented several logistical challenges.

1. Transporting the high school wind ensemble’s instruments to the elementary school was a significant hurdle. Solution: We partnered with the district’s facilities and transportation departments. They provided a dedicated truck and driver to transport all instruments safely and efficiently to and from the performance venue. High school students handled their personal instruments, while a supervised team managed larger, school-owned equipment.
2. Safely moving hundreds of PreK and Kindergarten students from their school building to the performance space in another building required meticulous planning. Their safety was paramount. Solution: We collaborated closely with elementary administration and teachers. Each class had assigned adult chaperones (teachers, paras, and parent volunteers) who guided them in defined lines. We pre-walked the route to identify hazards and scheduled walks during less busy times.
3. Aligning performance dates and times between the high school wind ensemble and the early childhood learning center’s PreK and Kindergarten schedules was a complex puzzle, given their distinct daily routines. Solution: The VPA Supervisor, elementary principal, and intermediate school principal engaged in early and flexible communication. We identified specific time blocks that minimized disruption for both schools. We also created inclement weather plans.
4. Developing age-appropriate music and interactive elements that would captivate a young audience while showcasing the wind ensemble’s talent was crucial. We needed to avoid overwhelming them with long, complex pieces. Solution: The high school director selected short, vibrant, and recognizable pieces. They incorporated interactive elements like asking questions about instrument sounds, encouraging clapping, and learning to conduct activities. The “meet your musician” segment and instrument “petting zoo” before each performance allowed for hands-on engagement, making the experience personal and memorable for our youngest attendees.

We have some evidence suggesting the initiative had positive effects in the Westfield Public Schools, but more data could definitely strengthen the case. Here are the positive effects that we saw:

Increased community engagement: The Children’s Concert brought together students, parents, and the community with a large rate of attendance – as evidenced in the attached photos. This suggests the initiative raised awareness and garnered support for the music program as 411 tickets were secured to attend the evening performance.

Student engagement: Providing music instruction directly connected to what the students would experience at the Children’s Concert suggests the initiative fostered a sense of pride and accomplishment among participants.

Media coverage: News articles about the event indicate the initiative received some public attention.

Audience Feedback: Although it was informal, for months after the performances of “Wild Symphony” members of the Visual & Performing Arts Department received consistently positive feedback and acknowledgment of our efforts and the effectiveness of the program from parents, community members, district administrators, and elementary school teachers who were in attendance.

Our “Wild Symphony” Children’s Concert advocacy initiative had a ripple effect, positively impacting our music program, school, district, and local community in Westfield, NJ.

For the music program, it significantly boosted visibility and demonstrated its value from the earliest grades. By actively recruiting and engaging PreK-Grade 5 students, it established a strong foundation for future enrollment in instrumental and vocal programs. The interaction between younger and older students created a cohesive musical community, inspiring a pipeline of future musicians and leaders within the program. It also provided invaluable performance and mentorship opportunities for the WHS Wind Ensemble, strengthening their skills and fostering a sense of purpose.

At the school and district levels, the initiative showcased the holistic benefits of a robust music education. It provided concrete evidence of how music contributes to elementary excellence, enhancing cognitive skills, social-emotional development, and overall school engagement. The cross-grade collaboration fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose, highlighting the interconnectedness of different educational stages. This could lead to increased administrative support for music programs, potentially securing resources and favorable scheduling.

For the local community, the free evening concert served as a powerful public relations tool. It allowed families and community members to witness the talent of Westfield students and the positive impact of music education firsthand. This increased awareness and appreciation can translate into stronger community advocacy for arts funding, greater volunteer involvement, and a deeper sense of civic pride in our schools’ offerings. It reinforced the idea that a vibrant music program is an integral part of a thriving community, benefiting everyone, not just those directly involved.

To replicate: Build relationships (staff, parents, students), define clear goals, meticulously plan logistics (scheduling, transport, content), communicate widely, emphasize music’s benefits, and start small to grow big.