Carnival of the Animals

Back on January 4th we made our first trip to downtown Raleigh.  We ventured there to attend the NC Symphony.  The ride was an easy 20 min. (just like everywhere else).  The facility was absolutely gorgeous, they have a separate hall just for smaller concerts and their children series.  They even had booster seats for the kids, Titus made sure to get a green one.

Before the concert they had an "Instrument Petting Zoo", the boys were tickled to try out everything; violin, flute, french horn, clarinet and trumpet.  Remarkably they all managed to make sound on them all.  They even had me try out the flute, it had been many years and I have totally forgot the fingering but it didn't sound too terrible.  In fact, after hearing all the respective instruments played by novices I must say the flute would be the most tolerable to live with during the learning phase.  Maybe after the boys improve their piano playing we'll get one, or maybe I'll just get one for me (I think they lean toward the louder instruments.)

The concert itself was extremely well done.  The conductor was jolly with a great dry humor.  After the initial pieces were played the main event was accompanied by a narrator and dancers to tell the tale of the animals.  We had chosen front row seats in the upper balcony (we thought it was more important that they have a clear view than a close one).  We were so high up and the wall rather low, that some were hesitant at first to get in their seats.  However, in the end the seats were perfect and Chris said we should always sit there.  The concert actually lasted an hour and fifteen minutes; about 15 minutes too long for Titus but he still did very well.  We look forward to attending more of the Children's series in the future.

On an aside....We have been listening to a lot of classical music this year.  There is a wonderful classical radio station in town that plays very upbeat classical music with minimal talking and no advertising.  We listen to it in the car and we even got a radio for the kitchen so we can listen to it throughout the day.  I really do believe music is powerful.  Whenever we remember to turn on the music first thing in the morning our days seem to go much better, the boys are better focused and more patient with eachother.  Amber appears much calmer as well.