Hi Mom's
My lovely Aunt has invited my 4 year old daughter and myself to the SF symphony Peter and the Wolf production. Is 4 years old too young to sit through this production? Has anyone out there taken small children to this event before? I love the music and think she would too. Bit worried about the wolf music.
Thanks,
H.
Well we had a wonderful time and she was great. She loved the music was very attentive and truly enjoyed herself. I am very proud of how she acted. The sign along was so much fun. Thanks to everyone for your responses they were very helpful. Merry Christmas!
H. W.
Get the Elmo version of Peter & the Wolf first. It is soo good and funny and may help her appreciate it a little more. I wish I knew where mine was I would send it to you but it is stored in the "once upon a time..." box! smile
Have a great time!
I went to the SF symphony's holiday performances every year starting around age 3. I loved it. Make sure she has heard the music first and help her play around and understand what parts are telling which parts of the story. Sometimes they project the illustrations behind the orchestra... might find out if they're doing that.
As a child it was one of my favorites though I never did get to see it on stage.
Never too young to expose them to the classics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I haven't played it for 4 year-olds, but yearly use it in my music curriculum with first graders. We don't get to go to the Symphony, but we read the book while we listen to the music. Most CDs that come with the book have an introductory track the tells about the instruments and how they relate to the characters. Perhaps you can do a trial-run with your daughter by getting the book and CD and reading it to her while listening? (Or, just showing her the pictures, because usually the CD is narrated.) This way she'll be prepared for the "wolf music" and will be excited when she hears it live, and not scared.
Hope this helps!
B. M.
Hi H., when my kids were little (they're 7 now) we had a video of the musical peter & the wolf with sesame st characters incl elmo. They loved it. It was good for them to see what was going on to help them understand the music (which was wonderful & they loved). I say def take him....but maybe you can see if you can find this video so he can get used to the music & what it means.
H., It's a little young (I took my son and a friend when they were six and five and they sat still very well), but if your daughter can sit still for an hour or so, please do it. Only if she has trouble sitting still would I not do it.
Your aunt is indeed a lovely person to suggest this activity!
E.
Happy Veterns Day H.,
What a lucky child to get the chance to see this play.
You might prepare for it by watching the Disney version, ans you can always download the music from the computer.
My son's carried a toy gun to be like Peter and had a bird to be thier best buddy for weeks after!
A child will sit for 2 ours and watch a TV show so there is no reason for a child not to go to the bathroom 1st and then be able to sit and not be rude to disturb others around her.
We actually took our children to see the Nutcracker every year from the age of 4. Good Luck, Nana Glenda
I think it's better to offer wonderful activities than this, than to hold off for fear it won't work. Just allow yourself the flexibility to step out if that what he seems to need. Have fun!
Dear H.,
This all depends on how well you know your child.
Will she be able to sit still?
Will she be overstimulated by the whole situation?
Is she overly sensitive to sound?
I was raised, fortunately enough, with the privelege of going to the San Francisco symphonies and ballets and operas. As a kid, it was such an awesome place that seemed to command respect...it was kind of like going to church. There was something so soulful about it. I personally think more children should be exposed to those things. Having a bit of refined behavior and sensibility does not ever harm a child. Unless, you know for a fact your kid will be bouncing off the walls and you still take them anyway. That wouldn't be a good experience for anyone. The symphony is not the place to expect a child to behave out of the blue.
I'm not saying that's your case, by any means...but if your child behaves well in other situations, it's something you can talk about regarding how special it is. It's a big building, there will be people playing musical instruments, everyone is on their best behavior.
What I really loved.....everyone got dressed up. I wore my best dress and shoes, slept with pink foam curlers in my hair the night before. It was event.
I don't think 4 is too young chronologically.
Maturity is a different matter and only you know the answer to that.
I think you should take your daughter and also take lots of pictures of your family outside the building and make it a memory.
Please let us know how it goes....
When my son was 4.5, I took him to the SF Symphony's Nutcracker. Another friend with a daughter, same age, came with us. She was fine, my son was not. Very fidgety. We had to spend at least half the time in the hallway so he would not disturb other patrons. Unfortunately, tickets are expensive and so people didn't want to hear the child behind them talking during the show. I would say, use your judgement. A show is typically 45 minutes till intermission and then another 45 minutes. Can she pay attention and be quiet for that long? If you do go, enjoy!
