'Alien Encounter' introduces young kids to classical music

Introducing young kids to classical music can be a challenge. How do you get three- to six-year-olds excited about music that sounds so alien to them? RPO conductor Michael Butterman has a solution. Bring in an extraterrestrial whose natural curiosity about the music will mimic what a young audience might feel.

On May 17-19, the RPO will visit three Rochester area locations to present the annual Tiny Tots concert series. Tiny Tots was designed to introduce pre-school and kindergarten students to the instruments of the orchestra, as well as basic musical concepts. Butterman will be joined onstage by “Schnoodle,” a friendly alien (and aspiring bass player) from the planet “Schnarp,” played by Eastman School of Music professor James VanDemark.

Schnoodle (James Van De Mark),
Michael Butterman and the RPO
c: Janice Hanson

“The concept for ‘Alien Encounter’ was born in Rochester about 13 years ago,” said Butterman, the RPO's principal conductor for education and community engagement. “Schnoodle comes to Earth to investigate exactly what a symphony orchestra is all about, since he heard the RPO is the best orchestra in the universe He tries his hand at playing various instrument, usually with comical results. He is mischievous, but also genuinely curious. He is a proxy for the kids―asking the questions they might ask and getting into the sort of trouble they might get into if were able to “run wild” at a concert.”

VanDemark is excited to reprise the role of Schnoodle, having played the part at the last ‘Alien Encounter’ concert series in 2012.

“I am wearing a remarkable, colorful costume and get to rebound off a trampoline as I play the bass drum in the Borodin Polovtsian Dances,” said VanDemark, a frequent guest narrator for the RPO. “The piece is hilarious to perform. I love the exchange with Michael Butterman and the musicians. The improv element is both wildly funny and extremely touching. Most of the kids believe that I really am an alien, and are extremely sad to see me return to Schnarp at the end.”

Butterman has continued developing ‘Alien Encounter’ over the years, even removing Schnoodle’s final bow to maintain belief.

“We found that the final bow confused the kids, since they really believed he was returning home,” said Butterman. “I’ve seen a few kids get choked up when he leaves. The show is funny, but also very touching.”

The Tiny Tots concert series draws more than 2,700 pre-school and kindergarten students annually. They are performed at different venues around the Rochester area and are open to 3-6 year olds. Pre-registration is required online. The 2016 Tiny Tots concerts are sponsored by Manning & Napier.