Students explore the 'Science of the Symphony'

NORWALK — Students at Pleasant Elementary School were treated to a hands-on music and science lesson Tuesday when the Firelands Symphony Orchestra brought its "Science of the Symphony" program into classrooms. The program, presented by Symphony musician Jody Chaffee and fully funded by the Geotrac Charitable Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, focused on showing students how musical instruments are built and how sound is created. According to information sent home to families, Chaffee demonstrated the construction and sound production of a variety of instruments, then guided students through simple experiments using everyday materials. Children learned how to make string instruments from a box and rubber bands, explore different pitches with water bottles filled to various levels, and create tuned water glasses similar to keyboard percussion instruments. Each student received a plastic shaker to take home. Chaffee also performed science demonstrations to help students understand how vibration creates sound, how pitch changes depending on size, material, and tension and why pitch varies due to physical dimensions. The Firelands Symphony Orchestra hosts programs like this throughout the region to introduce young students to music education and the science behind sound. Families interested in future concerts or youth programs can visit FirelandsSymphony.com for more information.