The Columbia Concert Band Knows Kids

It was a petting zoo but not of the furry, smelly variety.

Parents and kids who arrived early for the free concert by the Columbia Concert Band Sunday got a special treat:  They were allowed time to explore some of the instruments themselves in the area's first "Instrument Petting Zoo." 

The theme of the day was "Making Waves" and the program, conducted by Michael Blackman, featured a selection of nautical-themed pieces including Sailing Songs and popular medleys from both The Little Mermaid and Pirates of the Caribbean. 

The instrument petting zoo allowed children to try instruments including flute, piccolo, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trombone, xylophone and French horn. It was staffed by both Concert Band members and students from the band at River Hill High School. 

During the six-song set that followed, the conductor paused several times to explain the different families of instruments, clarifying how the different instruments not only sound alone but how their tones fit together. 

First, the children were introduced to the brass section, including trumpet, French horn, trombone and the tubas.  At the next interval they met the woodwind instruments such as flute, piccolo, clarinet, bass clarinet, three sizes of saxophone, oboe and bassoon.  Finally they got to learn about percussion.

During the Little Mermaid medley,  children and parents alike took to the isles to dance to the familiar tunes. 

The educational aspect of the concert demonstrated to children that all sound is created by vibration and that the larger the instrument, the lower the notes.  During the finale of "Anchors Aweigh"  children got to participate by conducting or marching on stage. 

According to their website, the Columbia Concert Band is a non-profit community symphonic band that was founded in 1083.  It gives non-professional musicians the opportunity to perform while educating and entertaining the public in the Howard County area.  It is made up of adults from varied musical backgrounds, and the band performs throughout the year, including in formal concerts in the spring and winter.

Blackman became director in 2000 following a lengthy career as a soloist and performer in the Columbia Concert Band.  A graduate of Howard County public schools, Blackman became an instrumental music teacher with the school system in 1991.  He teaches music at River Hill High School and is a former director of the Howard County Elementary Band, a select group of young instrumentalists that performs middle and high school level repertoire.