Conducting joy: memories of spending a magical day at a CSO for Kids concert

Volunteering at the annual pre- and post-concert activities at Symphony Center is always a highlight for me, and this year was no exception. As part of the CSO for Kids concert on March 8, I had the pleasure of joining other members of the CSO Latino Alliance to help create a memorable experience for young concertgoers. It brought back fond memories of taking my son to family concerts, where his love for music was nurtured.

This time, I had the opportunity to be part of the Mini-Maestros conducting activity on the fifth floor of the Symphony Center Rotunda. Here, children stepped up to the podium, baton in hand, to lead a Civic Orchestra chamber ensemble. Witnessing their reactions was priceless — some were nervous, others determined to conduct in their own way, while a few needed gentle encouragement from their parents. Regardless of their initial hesitation, each child left with a sense of accomplishment, having led the musicians in a piece performed just for them.

Symphony Center was buzzing with excitement as families sampled the various Orchestra Explorer activities. From trying out real musical instruments at the instrument petting zoo to getting creative with musical-emotion paper-doll chains, every floor offered an engaging way for kids to connect with music. Activities like the Boomwhackers and English/Spanish (which I helped translate last year) matching card games added an extra layer of fun and learning.

Volunteering with the CSO Latino Alliance offers members delightful opportunities to engage with the community. This year, I saw dedicated members like Juan Solana and his wife, Rosalind Jackson; Nicolas Medina, and Jesus Del Toro and his son actively participating in events such as the instrument petting zoo, where they introduced children to the joy of playing the trumpet. These hands-on experiences not only foster a love for music among young attendees, but also strengthen the bonds within our vibrant community.

At the March 8 concert, titled “The Music of Our Emotions,” conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser and members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra brought emotions to life through music. This mesmerizing performance illustrated how melodies and harmonies can convey our deepest feelings. With a dynamic program featuring works by Jessie Montgomery, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Bingham, Beethoven and Prokofiev, each piece painted a rich emotional landscape. From exhilarating highs to poignant lows, the audience was taken on a profound journey, reaffirming that music has the power to express what words cannot.

For more than a century, the CSO has been dedicated to fostering a love of classical music in children and their families through engaging concerts and educational programs. Whether attending a live performance, exploring digital offerings on CSOtv or participating in interactive school partnerships, young audiences are given countless opportunities to discover the magic of orchestral music.

Volunteering at this event is not just about assisting the kids — it’s about inspiring the next generation of music lovers. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they experience the power of music reminds me why events like these are so important. I look forward to continuing this tradition and helping more young maestros find their rhythm.

I encourage you to bring your kids to concerts, participate in the Family Series and expose them to beautiful music played by one of the world’s top orchestras.

To learn more about CSO for Kids’ Family Matinees, go to the Family Concerts page on cso.org.