Gretna Music for Kids - Free!

Music exploration and learning begin with you!

Gretna Music celebrates families and music-making around the world with programs and activities to encourage musical learning, discovery, and play. Our performances are sensory-friendly and presented in a judgment-free environment where movement and interaction are often encouraged.

All our GM4K events are free. You do not need a ticket.

Saturday, June 15, 2024 | 7 pm

Milo the Magnificent!

Mt. Gretna Playhouse, 200 Pennsylvania Ave, Mt Gretna, PA

Alex and Olmsted's Jim Henson Foundation grant awarded Milo the Magnificent®​ is a highly engaging puppet show about an aspiring magician. This wordless comedy, inspired by turn of the century vaudeville entertainers, is as highly physical as it is charming. Using stunningly innovative puppetry, Milo presents a variety of magic tricks which don’t always go as planned. Great for all ages! Free.

Saturday, June 29, 2024 | 2 pm

Around the World

Hall of Philosophy, 212 Gettysburg Ave, Mt Gretna, PA

Join the Ulysses Quartet as they introduce students to music from different parts of the world, exploring concepts of rhythm, harmony, style, and stringed instrument techniques. This program includes well known composers as well as rare discoveries. Stick around after to try our mish mash of musical instruments. Free.

Recommended for grades 4-8

Monday, July 1, 2024 | 10 am

Animal Friends

Hall of Philosophy, 212 Gettysburg Ave, Mt Gretna, PA

The Ulysses Quartet explore animal sounds and characters in music from different eras. This program introduces concepts of texture, stringed instrument characteristics and techniques, and character in music. It includes a variety of composers from the Classical era to the 21st century. Stick around after to try our mish mash of musical instruments. Free.

Recommended for grades K-4

Monday, July 22, 2024 | 10 am

Mr. Music© - free family sing-along

Hall of Philosophy, 212 Gettysburg Ave, Mt Gretna, PA

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands! Mr. Music of Pennsylvania PBS, aka Lenny Tepsich, encourages everyone to join in as he performs favorite children’s songs and original tunes. Stick around after to try our mish mash of musical instruments. In partnership with PA Chautauqua Summer Programs. Free.

Recommended for ages 3 and up

Monday, August 12, 2024 | 10 am

Build-an-Organ

Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church, 4th St & Boehm Ave, Mt Gretna

Help build a real pipe organ and then learn to play it. Organist Vince Ryan will show how to assemble the instrument, how it makes sound, and how to create beautiful music! Stick around after to our mish mash of musical instruments. Free.

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Funding for our family programming is generously provided by The Presser Foundation, The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation, the Women’s Symphony Association of Lancaster, John L. and C. Jeanette Witmer Charitable Trust, the Bill Drendall Endowment, and The Hershey Company.