The New York Public Library is pleased to present our first Mini Music Series for Kids! Five music programs will be broadcast on weekdays from Monday, December 14, to Friday, December 18, at 3:30 PM on our Watch & Learn page.

Each program will explore a different genre of music and the part music can play within a culture. Music can be used to tell stories, to inspire others, to solve problems, to bring communities together, to learn about yourself, and for entertainment, of course!

 

Tito Puente: A Latin Music Legend

Monday, December 14 | 3:30 PM

Discover the music and life of Tito Puente. Pictures and sounds will fill the screen while telling the story of this great New York artist. Kids will get to play music games and experience Puente's music while learning how everyday household items can create music. Step-by-step craft instructions will show kids how to play Puente's music anytime they feel like it. 

Materials needed for the craft activity:

• Copy or craft paper
• A large plastic or paper cup
• Tape and/or an elastic band
• 2 pencils

Presented by Intellectual Kids Club.

 

The Treasure Hunters

Tuesday, December 15 | 3:30 PM

Follow a group of young friends as they search for hidden treasure! Our friends travel the neighborhood battling storms, monsters, and other surprises along the way in search of an ultimate prize. X marks the spot in this pirate-themed adventure—join the hunt!

During this interactive presentation, we will introduce both our instruments and the characters in the story. Audience members will be introduced to musical concepts and learn how to listen for musical stories by drawing what they hear and see—so have some paper and colored pencils or markers ready to use! Then, we’ll share the story that we hear in the music through a vibrant stop-motion animation.

Presented by Art Beyond the Ink.

 

The Steel Pan Man of Harlem

Wednesday, December 16 | 3:30 PM

Join an interactive storytelling session with songwriting activities as we retell the classic legend of The Pied Piper of Hamelin in the setting of 1940s Harlem.  

A mysterious man appears in Harlem and promises to rid the city of its rats by playing his steel pan drum. The steel pan drum is the national instrument of Trinidad, whose music is celebrated throughout the story.

No materials needed. Just your imagination and your dancing shoes!

Presented by the New York City Children’s Theater.

 

Story Songs from the African Diaspora

Thursday, December 17 | 3:30 PM

What stories do we learn from music? 

French-Haitian musician Anaïs Maviel explores this question as she performs traditional songs from the African Diaspora with voice, drums, and an n'goni, a West African string instrument. Then she leads a circle singing workshop where audience members are invited to share in improvisatory, call-and-response style singing. Blending voices has been a privileged way to gather and share stories in many traditional societies; now you can bring your own stories to the table and engage in collective harmony.

Presented by Urban Stages.

 

Conversations Through Improvisations

Friday, December 18 | 3:30 PM

Guitarist Tony Davis and composer-pianist Oliver Glynn will take you on a time-traveling journey through history, making stops along the story of improvisation and discovering the many roles it plays in the music and history of jazz.

Presented by Tony Davis and Oliver Glynn.