Meet The Music Scores the Attention of Children

The first of five Meet The Music programs for children was held on Tuesday, February 26 at the Ocean County Library in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River, the Garden State Philharmonic and Music & Arts of Toms River.

Meet The Music is a music themed program created for children to gain exposure to music as well as the variety and history of musical instruments. "Children can benefit so much by learning an instrument. It will stay with them throughout their lives and give them a sense of achievement and friendship. They can benefit by learning to play an instrument especially if they join groups such as their school band, orchestra or the Garden State Youth Orchestra," says Mary Alice Smith, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River.

One of the participants of the February program was Faith Dionio, a member of the Garden State Youth Orchestra. Faith along with Greg Landes and Will Marinelli showed the children the sound variety of various percussion instruments.

Diane Wittry, Music Director and Conductor of the Garden State Philharmonic, engaged the children in a fun and enlightening presentation that kept the attention of the children and the adults during the entire one hour event.

Meet The Music will return to the Ocean County Library on Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 for the woodwind instrument theme. Children will learn about the various woodwind instruments and have a chance to try any and all of the instruments that are available through Emily Longo of Music & Arts of Toms River.

To register for this free family event on Tuesday, March 19, visit the Ocean County Library or register online at theoceancountylibrary.org. To find out more about Kiwanis in your community, visit TomsRiverKiwanis.org.