WQXR Classical Kids Fair

New York’s classical music station WQXR (105.9 FM) brings its Classical Kids Fair to New Jersey for the first time, in partnership with NJPAC and the New Jersey Symphony.

WQXR’s Classical Kids Fairs provide families a free and fun way to introduce children ages 4-10 to classical music through engaging live performances, workshops, arts and crafts, and other hands-on experiences.

The debut New Jersey Classical Kids Fair will include performances by the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players, Nimbus Dance, Paterson Music Project, and Keys 2 Success.

The NJ Symphony, NJ Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Keys 2 Success will host an “instrument discovery zone,” where kids can try different musical instruments.

Arts and crafts projects will include coloring with WQXR and egg shaker maraca crafting with the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, with additional programming from Paterson Music Project and STEAM Urban.

The afternoon will also feature a beat-making workshop with Grounded Music Education; a “cool conductors” activity with the NJ Symphony, where participants can craft their own baton and learn how to conduct; a drum circle with Paterson Music Project; an opportunity to meet the Nai Ni Chen Dance Company dragon and performers; classical-themed cookie decorating with Cupcake Carriage in their mobile baking truck; musical storytime from NJPAC’s Books on the Move and an exploration of the sounds of everyday objects in the Girl Scouts’ Mobile Classroom.

The fair will occur at Chambers Plaza at NJPAC from 12 to 3 pm.

Admission is free, though reservations are encouraged.

The Classical Kids Fair coincides with a New Jersey Symphony concert scheduled to be performed in NJPAC’s Prudential Hall that same afternoon. That concert will feature the animated film How To Train Your Dragon, with the score performed live by the orchestra as the complete film is projected on a large movie screen. Tickets for the concert event are available on the New Jersey Symphony’s website at njsymphony.org/dragon.