'Halloween Treat' is a treat for Chapel Hill children

It was all treat and no trick.

Children of the Chapel Hill community were invited to listen and take part in the Chapel Hill Philharmonia’s latest concert, “Halloween Treats.”

The concert was held yesterday in Kenan Music Building, and both children and adults attended. Guest conductor Evan Feldman not only led the performers but also encouraged audience participation.

The Chapel Hill Philharmonia, which consists of only volunteers, hosts performers of all ages and professions.

“I think it’s our mission to reach out to the community and bring them classical music,” said Chapel Hill Philharmonia President Rosalind Goodwin. “They can come and enjoy it, learn from it, and participate in something that is by the community.”

Goodwin is also part of the orchestra, playing violoncello.

The program featured nine Halloween-inspired pieces. To further enhance the atmosphere, members of the symphony dressed in costumes, like the Statue of Liberty and Charlie Brown.

Children in the audience were given a special treat by being invited to sit on the floor at the front of the room, right next to the orchestra.

Orchestra member Elizabeth Johnson said she appreciated how each piece had an element of interactivity and fun.

“I think it’s wonderful to bring kids into classical music in an accessible, fun and interactive way,” she said.

The first piece, “March of the Little Goblins” by Adam Glaser, had the orchestra members marching into the room.

Other pieces featured the clicks and dings of a typewriter, the sounds of the audience cheering and the noise of rattling maracas wielded by audience members. The Philharmonia took great lengths to make sure the children and audience members were engaged and involved.

Even adults were asked to take part in Beethoven’s “Storm” from his “Pastoral” Symphony No. 6. Those with phones were prompted to guess what the piece was about and send a text with their ideas, displayed on the screen overhead.

Elias and Solomon, sons of Johnson, both agreed on their favorite piece.

“‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ was my favorite,” Elias said, jumping with excitement.

At the end, Strauss’ “Thunder and Lightning” was reprised, and kids who volunteered were allowed to conduct the audience after being taught how to conduct. A long line of children formed next to the conductor’s podium, and Feldman assisted in helping each one wave the baton.

“This really is wonderful for children, because they can see instruments afterward and conduct,” Goodwin said. “They really get to hear a concert, but it’s directed toward them.”

arts@dailytarheel.com