Detroit Symphony and Marshall Music combine to provide an “Instrument Experience” for the Max M. Fisher Music Center inaugural weekend

The Max M. Fisher Music Center, containing the renovated Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall opened its doors to the public on Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19 with a two day festival presenting musical acts of every genre, from classical to techno, and an assortment of performances and activities for children.

Music lovers of all ages were welcomed to The Max throughout the weekend by magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and balloon making clowns. Children had the chance to decorate their own maracas and participated in arts and crafts, face painting and coloring stations.

     The DSO educational staff contacted Marshall Music’s director of  school services, George Fetter, inviting Marshall’s to be a part of the inaugural weekend. Marshall’s Allen Park and new Troy store provided instruments for an “Instrument Experience” where children could enjoy a hands-on encounter with a wide variety of musical instruments. Under the skilled guidance of Marshall Music staff, children-and their parents-were able to try their hand at playing an instrument.

     The inaugural weekend was just the beginning of an invigorated educational program undertaken by the DSO to promote music participation and appreciation. The Max includes a new recital hall that can be transformed into banquet space, a rehearsal hall and a beautiful redecorated lobby. In addition, the DSO has affiliated with the Detroit Schools to coordinate instruction. In A Chord! is an educational partnership program between six metro-Detroit public school districts and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. DSO musicians and members of an education faculty work with students in classrooms to prepare them for concert attendance and performance experiences at Orchestra Hall.

For more information about the Max M. Fisher Music Center and the DSO educational programs go to www.detroitsymphony.com