This following comes from my client Keith from Rockwall:

“A year ago, my wife and I took our 4-year old granddaughter to a DSO Halloween concert. Little did we know what would come of it!

It was a family-oriented performance, and kids were encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. Beforehand, she spent some time in the “musical instrument petting zoo”, a collect of well-used instruments in the lobby that the kids can examine and try to play. We didn’t realize how much of an impression that made on her at the time, but afterward all she wanted for Christmas was a violin!

Santa obliged, of course, since he’d much rather see a youngster get interested in music than, say, video games. She’s been taking lessons ever since, and has performed in a couple recitals, including one at our house where I accompanied her on the piano. (She likes to “play” my piano, too!) She has also played in two public group performances for the holidays. It hasn’t been the same since the petting zoo!”

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Keith!