Meridian Symphony Orchestra’s “something-for-everyone family/community event” Symphony Doo-Dah returns with activities for all ages in content, pricing and length.

At 6 p.m., Mickey and Minnie Mouse will open the doors to The Riley Center’s Exhibit Hall and the magical evening begins with a fun-filled Instrument Zoo and Character Meet-n-Greet. Look for Olaf, Elsa and Anna, Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Tiana, Mary Poppins, Pocahontas, Moana, Ariel and more.

“There will be lots of opportunities for great photos as you try out the trumpet, play a drum, have your face painted or pose with a princess,” said Susie Johnson, executive director of the Meridian Symphony Association. “Your concert ticket is your admission, and children are encouraged to ‘dress up!’”

At 7 p.m., the musical fun continues in the beautiful, historic theatre, where the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Peter Rubardt, will play a variety of favorites – including many that involve audience participation.

Music lovers of all ages will enjoy listening, singing along and clapping to everything from Disney Medleys (featuring a Parade of Characters) to Rimsky-Korsakov’s Funiculi, Funicula to Strauss’s Radetzky March.

Representative students from the Link Up program will be on hand to demonstrate some of the pieces played at the morning’s school concerts, including Verdi’s “Anvil Chorus,” Orff’s “O Fortuna,” Holst’s “Mars” and the rousing “Drumlines” by Thomas Cabaniss.

Special guest artists include West Lauderdale Band Drum Line, under the direction of David McKinney, along with members of MSO’s Symphony Chorus and Newton County High School Chorus, under the direction of Suzanne Cain.

Ticketholders are encouraged to arrive early for the Characters and Instrument Zoo as it lasts only from 6-6:50 p.m.

“This is the perfect community event at which seasoned symphony-goers can watch the next generation ‘catch the excitement’ with a concert that is perfect for families in content and length – just under an hour,” Johnson said.

Tickets may be purchased at the MSU-Riley Center Box Office by calling 601-696-2200 or online at meridianso.org

Meridian Symphony Orchestra, schools “Link Up” for music education

Meridian Symphony Association, music teachers and hundreds of students from area schools are finalizing preparations for the much anticipated, highly participatory Link Up program which, in partnership with Carnegie Hall, pairs orchestras across the country with schools in their local communities, inviting them to learn about orchestral repertoire through a year-long hands-on music curriculum.

On Thursday, hundreds of Link Up students will fill the MSU-Riley Center for two live, interactive performances in which they ‘ll have the opportunity to sing and play the recorder (from their seats) along with the orchestra. This program is not open to the public.

Utilizing materials provided by the Weill Music Institute, teachers guide students in exploring music through a composer’s lens as they participate in active music-making in the classroom; perform repertoire on recorders, voice or body percussion; and take part in creative work such as composing their own pieces inspired by the orchestral music they have studied.

With this year’s theme, “The Orchestra Rocks,” students have been discovering how composers and musicians play with elements of rhythm, creating patterns of sound and silence that are expressive and exciting.

“This performance often serves as a student’s first concert experience and provides the opportunity to apply the musical concepts studied,” Johnson said.

Sidney Covington will serve as this year’s host while Zena Limerick will lead singing from the stage.

Members of the award-winning Newton County High School Choir, under the direction of Suzanne Cain, will make a special guest appearance along with the West Lauderdale Drum Line, directed by David McKinney.

Participating schools include Crestwood, Oakland Heights, Poplar Springs, Parkview, TJ Harris, West Hills, Clarkdale, Northeast. Southeast, West Lauderdale, Quitman, Neshoba, Lamar, Russell Christian Academy and Meridian Classical Center for Learning.

Link Up is made possible by the generous support of The Phil Hardin Foundation, Mississippi Arts Commission, Lauderdale County Supervisors, Meridian City Council and Meridian Symphony Association’s Education Division.