Web exclusive: MSU Community Music School hosts instrument petting zoo

The MSU Community Music School showcased the importance of music in the community and in education Sunday during its public open house.

The event, held from 3-5 p.m. at the school, 841-B Timberlane St., had a variety of activities offered to all age groups, including performances by children’s choirs and the New Horizons Band, as well as an instrument petting zoo.

CMS communication coordinator Amanda Darche said the open house was important to area children because it introduces them to music.

“Music builds children’s aptitude,” Darche said. “It is the basic foundation of learning; it’s very crucial.”

Executive Director Rhonda Buckley agreed with Darche and said the event allowed the school to showcase what it does.

“We want to keep offering well-rounded and quality eduction for everyone,” she said.

CMS opened in 1993, and every year new programs are offered in response to community needs, Darche said. This year the school offered a class called ‘School of Rock,’ in which students form their own bands within the class and culminate with a performance in October. This year CMS added a folk music program to be offered on campus. The school also offers music therapy for people with autism and people with limited or no vocal ability.

The open house offered chips, juices and ice cream sandwiches provided by Bake N’ Cakes and Melting Moments. It had booths with corresponding faculty to speak to attendees wanting to learn more information about how to enroll in CMS or to answer any questions.

For many kids and adults the highlight of the event was the instrument petting zoo.

The instrument petting zoo featured violins, trumpets, flutes, clarinets and a piano for anyone to come play and become familiar with the instruments.

Lansing resident Suzi Teghtmeyer and her 3-year-old son Elliot attended the petting zoo, where he played every instrument, she said.

“We walked in the door and he loved the flute,” Teghtmeyer said. “He didn’t want to touch the brass instruments at all but half-an-hour later he loved the trombone. I think it’s great exposure for him.”

Teghtmeyer said she hopes in a year or two Elliot will be able to learn to play an instrument.

Music instructors helped children learn the correct form and introduced how to play the instrument.

“I think the kids just like to be able to try everything out, (to) blow an instrument and make a noise,” said Kate McAlpine, a music therapy senior and student intern at CMS. “That’s probably very cool to them and they probably don’t get to do it very often.”