Last week, Macaroni Kid College Park-East Point-Morrow sat down with Jere Flint, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Staff Conductor to talk about the ASO's Family Concert Series and the upcoming production of "The Remarkable Farkle McBride" which he will be leading.

Mr. Flint has been with the the ASO for four decades. He's conducted children's concerts, pop concerts, is the conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and also plays the cello.

Macaroni Kid CEM: There are some of readers who may not have yet attended an ASO Family Concert. What they can expect from these kid-oriented concerts?

Jere Flint: They're kid-friendly. It's child-like but not childish. We try to hold the attention of the kids in the audience through the use of visuals, action and audience participation. You also have the entire Atlanta Symphony playing. And the parents really enjoy the performances as well.

MK CEM: When people think of symphonies and orchestras, they may have thoughts of something only adults would be interested in, but why do you think parents should see the value in exposing their children to these concerts?

JF: It's a great introduction to the Woodruff Arts Center overall and the symphony in particular. The ASO is one arm of the Woodruff Arts Center. There's also the Alliance Theatre and the High Museum so there's lots of cultural opportunities for children. Also when you walk into Symphony Hall and hear the tremendous music, it's a tremendous experience. You immediately get captivated by the sounds of the symphony and of the orchestra.

MK CEM: What is the goal of the ASO's family concerts?

JF: The goal of the ASO is everything from giving straight classical concerts to reaching out to the community in many different aspects. There are small groups of musicians that go out into the community so that we reach the whole gamut of people in the city. Part of the ASO's mission is to touch as many people in Atlanta as we can so that these concerts are not just something we do because we think we should do it. There's a wider initiative to really reach parents, to reach their children. We give concerts to over 10,000 students every year. 

MK CEM: Talk about the power of exposing young children to a full orchestra experience. We're sure it's an experience they'll never forget.

JF: Each child will have a different experience. Some will be enchanted by the sounds, some by the visual. Sometimes the ASO's family concerts have dancers and the kids love it. Each child gets something different out of it. But what parents don't realize is that children are exposed to symphonic music all of the time. From televisions commercials to movie soundtracks. And, children will have a different reaction to hearing live music than hearing music on a CD or iPod for example. It's important for children to know that live music exists, whether it's through a live rock band, jazz band or orchestra.

MK CEM: Let's talk about "The Remarkable Farkle McBride" which will be performed on Sunday, April 29. How do you take a children's book (written by actor John Lithgow) and adapt it into a symphony?

JF: It was brought to my attention by a staff member that her daughter loved the children's book. Composer Bill Elliott actually created a musical score to go along with the book and added several instruments into the story - including the violin, bass and viola. For children, it's a remarkable introduction to all of the instruments in an orchestra. If parents are already familiar with the book and story I think they'll especially get a real kick out of this concert.

MK CEM: This production has been called a semi-staged production. What does that mean?

JF: It means there's not a full symphony. There's action that goes with the music and there's a narrator that tells the story. We use Farkle (the book's character) throughout the entire program. It's also an introduction to the child - and the parents - on how musical instruments are played. Kids and parents will be fascinated by it.

MK CEM: Realistically, what's a good age for kids to start playing a musical instrument?

JF: It depends on their level of interest. Usually between ages 8 and 10 they show an interest in an instrument. The ASO's "petting zoo" gives children the opportunity to touch and play various instruments. But a good first instrument for young children is the piano. If you have a piano that's always a good start.


"The Remarkable Farkle McBride" will be performed on Sunday, April 29 at 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. Based on the popular children's book by actor and musician John Lithgow, Young Farkle McBride brings the sounds and rhythms of an orchestra to sprawling visual life.

"The Remarkable Farkle McBride" is the final concert in the Orchestra’s 2011-2012 Family Concert Series. Single tickets for the performances are $15 to $20 and are available online at www.atlantasymphony.org or by calling 404-733-4000.