Bang, bang. Toot, toot. Plink, plink.
It’s the sounds of children finding their joy in making music during the first Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) “Instrument Petting Zoo.” The day of discovery was in partnership with the Hawthorne Neighborhood Association on Madison’s east side during the annual Make Music Madison celebration. Cathy Couture is a resident of the east side neighborhood. She helped pull the idea together.
“Watching a young girl, maybe 5, being shown how to hold a violin. She was so intent and proud of doing it,” Couture shared. “The patience from those who volunteered was beautiful to see. And when a child figured out how to make an instrument work, it was hard to tell who was prouder!”
Dozens of kids stopped by for this opportunity to get hands-on with a variety of instruments. There were drums, electric guitars, strings, keyboards, woodwinds, and brass. Musicians from the Madison area volunteered their expertise to not only demonstrate the instruments but also to answer questions and encourage the young participants to try making some music themselves.
“I loved watching their faces when they got the instrument to make sound,” musician and volunteer Dana Perry explained. “We had a kid struggle to get sound out of a trumpet, but when he was able to get that first little ‘honk,’ everyone cheered together, “Hey! You got it!” and his whole face just lit up!”
The “Instrument Petting Zoo” reflects MAMA’s mission to help children explore and have access to musical instruments and opportunities, regardless of their circumstances. It’s also meant to inspire a lifelong love of music. You can learn how to request an instrument for your child, program, or school here.
The “Instrument Petting Zoo” was part of the larger Make Music Day on June 21. Celebrations are held in more than 1,000 cities worldwide and feature free performances and music activities. Madison joined the movement in 2013 and currently hosts one of the largest Make Music events in the country.
The Hawthorne Neighborhood Association’s live music and family-friendly activities at Hawthorne Elementary School provided the perfect setting for young musicians to begin their musical journey. And Couture couldn’t be happier.
“So much positive energy,” Couture said. “And I believe some lives were changed, too.”
