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.
Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 10 am – Hello Cello!
Hall of Philosophy
Join the Galvin Cello Quartet on an exploration of the second largest member of the string family. The musicians will demonstrate how the cello works, how it’s used in music and how to make sound from it. Stick around after to try playing a cello as well as our other mish mash of musical instruments. Free.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
2023 Flyer (Espanol):
Mondays with Mr. Music – Sing-Alongs for Families – FREE
Hall of Philosophy, Mt. Gretna, PA, 10:00 am, Mondays, July 17, July 31, August 14. If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands! Mr. Music from Pennsylvania PBS encourages everyone to sing along as he performs favorite children’s songs and original tunes. Free. In partnership with Gretna Music and PA Chautauqua Summer Programs.
In 1988, his daughter’s kindergarten class nicknamed him Mr. Music (they couldn’t say Mr. Tepsich) and it stuck! He is a recipient of the Easter Seals “Brace for an Ace” award for his work with special needs children. Providing “alternative therapy” for these kids earned him the Volunteer of the Year award from the Pennsylvania Chapter of Volunteers of America. He continues working with “life skills” kids, Head Start kids, IU, and Early Intervention Programs. His PeaceBeat© project for inner-city kids helped to open their eyes and hearts to God’s peace as they work on peaceful resolutions in their all-too-often violent world.
He was a featured performer at HersheyPark for over 30 years. In 2005 he produced “Welcome to HersheyPark”, a collection of original and traditional songs that greet guests as they enter the park. He has performed for the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institute, Walt Disney World, Honolulu Academy of the Arts, and festivals, schools, and libraries across the USA. In 1996 he declined an offer to relocate and perform at DisneyWorld in Florida. He much prefers the changing seasons in Central Pennsylvania where he continues his unending devotion to his music and his love for children….
These days you can find him on public TV (WITF) performing his songs of encouragement for his young audience. He was named the 2020 Central PA Music Award’s Best Children’s Music Artist.
Monday, June 19, 2023 | 1 pm – OrgelKids: Build-an-Organ, Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church
You may have built a bear or built with blocks and Legos, but have you ever built an organ? 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! In partnership with the Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church. Free.
Monday, June 26, 2023 | 10 am – Drum Circle with Matthew Woodson, Hall of Philosophy
If you have a heartbeat, you can play drums. Matthew believes that, and he is on a mission to makes sure everyone else does, too. Drumming offers a great foundation for youngsters just starting out in their musical journey. Learn to use your body and basic items around your house to create music. In partnership with PA Chautauqua Summer Programs. Free.
Funding for our family programming is generously provided by The Presser Foundation, The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation, The William R. & Esther Richmond Foundation, the Women’s Symphony Association of Lancaster, John L. and C. Jeanette Witmer Charitable Trust, and The Hershey Company.