VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Symphony Guild and Valdosta Symphony Orchestra musicians invite the public to join them on Saturday, Jan. 13, at the VSU Whitehead Auditorium in the Fine Arts Building (corner of North Oak Street and Brookwood Drive) for a fun, hands-on experience for children of all ages to learn about instruments of the orchestra.

The event begins at 10 a.m. in Whitehead Auditorium at Valdosta State University, where Valdosta Symphony Orchestra musicians offer a brief explanation of how each instrument works with a demonstration of each instrument. The audience will then enjoy several selections performed by the South Georgia String Project, the collaborative community outreach program of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and Valdosta State University’s Department of music.

Next, the children will have a special opportunity for hands-on experience with the instruments of the orchestra. Valdosta Symphony Orchestra musicians and VSU music students will be stationed around the Fine Arts Building for the “Instrument Petting Zoo.” Children of all ages will have a chance to try the different instruments under the guidance of the VSO’s musicians.

During the event, there will also be representatives from South Georgia String Project with program and registration information for Spring 2024 for violin, viola, cello and bass lessons.

The Valdosta Symphony Guild, which provides support for the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and their educational programs, sponsors this annual event.

The event is free.

There will be free juice and cookies for the kids. Children of all ages are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.