Petting Zoo

The Civic Orchestra of Tucson introduced the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo to our community in 1995, based on a similar program in the Midwest. The Petting Zoo gives a chance to have an up-close look at various orchestral instruments and actually play these instruments under the supervision of members of the orchestra. Parents have repeatedly expressed delight after seeing their children try out instruments in our petting zoo, and many have inquired into music lessons.

Petting Zoo Goals

• To provide children (and adults) the opportunity to explore the various families of musical instruments
• To provide hands-on opportunities to touch, feel, and play string, wind, brass, and percussion instruments

• Participants learn to identify the family to which a given instrument belongs
• Children learn the proper way to hold and play an orchestral instrument
• Young children delight in having a musical instrument respond to their attempts to play it
• Adults who have not played an instrument since high school discover that the ability to make beautiful sound from the instrument is still present
• Both children and adults often seek further instruction or lessons
  
• Adults often begin practicing their instruments again and participate in local ensembles
  

Schedule an Instrument Petting Zoo for Your Organization

Would you like more information about scheduling a petting zoo for your event?

» Download the Petting Zoo brochure