The Port Theatre’s lobby is transforming into a musical zoo during the Vancouver Island Symphony Community Days Saturday (Oct. 24).
Attendees, six years and older, can get up close and try their hand at playing orchestra instruments, everything from the violin and cello to bassoons and oboes.
The event begins at 11 a.m. and is open to all ages.
“Being up close and being able to actually touch the instruments is what lets kids decide what they want to play,” said Margot Holmes, symphony executive director. “That is the joy of it. It’s about what they want to feel and they want to try.”
Holmes said the orchestra instruments are so different from each other and she has seen children attending previous community days go and say they want to play a certain instrument after trying it out under the guidance of a symphony musician.
While kids get a kick out of trying out the instruments, the event is also open to adults and several have come over the years.
The event also features a chance to meet V.I. Symphony conductor Pierre Simard and watch the symphony rehearsal from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
This year’s dress rehearsal features Nanaimo native Devon Joiner, who performs with the symphony at the Port Theatre Saturday (Oct. 24) at 7:30 p.m.
Community Days is a free event; however, tickets must be pre-booked through the Port Theatre ticket centre by calling 250-754-8550 or online at www.porttheatre.com.
For more information about the symphony please go to www.vancouverislandsymphony.com.
reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com