Tunes-n-Tales: Where Stories and Music Come Together
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Every child remembers a favorite story.
Maybe it was a book read at bedtime. Maybe it was a character that sparked their imagination. Maybe it was the feeling of being completely drawn into a story's world.
Now imagine hearing that story brought to life through live music.
That is the idea behind Tunes-n-Tales, a partnership between the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Clark County Public Library that introduces children and families to the magic of music and literature in a way that is engaging, memorable, and uniquely Springfield.
Since its launch in 2018, the program has become one of the Symphony's most beloved educational offerings. It creates opportunities for young audiences to experience live music up close while strengthening connections to reading, creativity, and community.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Tunes-n-Tales was made possible through the generous legacy of Janet McCrosky.
Janet was a retired librarian with the Clark County Public Library and a longtime musician and supporter of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Her passion for literacy and the arts helped inspire a program that continues to impact local families today.
The idea was simple but powerful. Bring together two things that help children learn and grow: stories and music.
That vision has become a reality through performances that pair children's literature with live chamber music performed by Symphony musicians.
Each event creates an experience that feels both educational and fun. Children are not simply listening to a story. They are experiencing it through sound, movement, and imagination.
Bringing Music Closer to Young Audiences
For many children, Tunes-n-Tales is their first introduction to live classical music.
Instead of sitting in a large concert hall, children gather close to the musicians. They can see the instruments, watch the performers, and hear every note in a way that feels personal and accessible.
The result is an immersive experience that captures attention and sparks curiosity.
Families often receive a copy of the featured book to take home, allowing the story to continue long after the performance ends. It is one of the many ways the program encourages children to build a lasting connection with reading and the arts.
A Springfield Program Receiving National Attention
While Tunes-n-Tales was created for local families, its impact has reached far beyond Springfield.
Representatives from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Clark County Public Library were recently invited to share the program at a national library conference. The presentation highlighted Tunes-n-Tales as an example of how libraries and arts organizations can work together to create meaningful experiences for children and families.
For Springfield, this recognition is something to celebrate.
It demonstrates that innovative programs do not have to come from large cities or major institutions. Sometimes the best ideas begin in communities that care deeply about education, creativity, and making opportunities available to everyone.
Tunes-n-Tales is proof that a local partnership can create an impact that extends well beyond city limits.
Why Community Support Matters
Programs like Tunes-n-Tales are only possible because of community support.
While many people know the Springfield Symphony Orchestra through performances at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, education has always been an important part of the organization's mission. From the Springfield Youth Ensembles to Concerts for Young People and Tunes-n-Tales, the Symphony works throughout the year to introduce new audiences to the arts.
These programs help children discover new interests. They encourage creativity and imagination. They provide experiences that many students and families might not otherwise have access to.
Most importantly, they help ensure that music remains a vibrant part of our community for future generations.
When you support the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, you are doing more than supporting concerts. You are helping create opportunities for children to learn, explore, and grow through the arts.
Helping the Story Continue
Tunes-n-Tales shows what can happen when a community invests in its children.
It creates moments of wonder. It sparks curiosity. It introduces young minds to the power of music and storytelling.
As the program continues to grow, so does its impact on families throughout Springfield and the surrounding region.
If you believe every child should have access to meaningful arts experiences, we invite you to support the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Your DONATION helps sustain programs like Tunes-n-Tales and ensures that future generations can continue to discover the joy of music and reading together.
To learn more about Tunes-n-Tales, educational programs, and ways to support the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, visit springfieldsym.org.
