I’ve always had a love of music. I studied piano for years, was in the school band and took music classes every chance I had. When I was introduced to Welcome to the Symphony: A Musical Exploration of the Orchestra Using Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 , it immediately sparked my interest. 
Using one of the most famous works in classical music—Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony—here is the perfect way to introduce a young child to the world of classical music. This charming and interactive picture book with its panel of 19 sound buttons is like a ticket to a concert hall, taking readers on a journey from the exciting first moment when the musicians begin tuning up to the end of the first movement (attention newcomers: don’t clap yet!). At each step of the way, readers learn the basics of classical music and the orchestra: What is a conductor? What is a symphony? Who was Beethoven? The different aspects of music: melody, harmony, tempo, theme. And the families of instruments—strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
But the best part is that every critical idea is illustrated in gorgeous sound. The sound panel allows readers to hear the different parts of the symphony and voices of the music—the famous beginning of the Fifth, what a clarinet sounds like, the difference between a violin and a viola, what a melody is, and what harmony is. Kids will want to match their voices to the A note that tunes the orchestra, dance to the rhythmic passages—and, of course, sing along to da-da-da-daah!
About the Author:
Carolyn Sloan is a songwriter and musician who writes music for theater, television, and children. She is also a music educator at the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn, New York, where she lives with her family.
Our thoughts:
I grew up with music part of my life. I was always learning to play an instrument or the history of music. As a homeschool family, I like to incorporate music education. This book is absolutely perfect for introducing children to music. It isn’t complicated and it’s written in a way that they completely understand it. The little mice that walk them through the book help to keep the children’ attention and the side sounds help them understand even more. My five-year old has really enjoyed this book, but surprisingly my eight-year old has as well.
Welcome to the Symphony: A Musical Exploration of the Orchestra Using Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 can be purchased for a SRP of $24.95
