A WHYY Family Forum event

Most parents recognize the importance of music in the lives of their children. Developing an early appreciation of music, and nurturing that as your child grows older, helps enrich them culturally and spiritually. That's why WHYY has partnered with Temple University's Music Preparatory Division to present the "Join The Music" series as a WHYY Family Forum event.

"We're trying to show the importance of participation," says Nancy Hess, director of the program and a member of WHYY's Community Advisory Board. "That's what this series is trying to do, by bringing people into this circle."

Join the Circle: A workshop for preschool children ages 2 to 5 and their parents, introducing basic elements of music through singing and rhythmic activities. Families will also receive information on musical activities to do at home. Saturday, January 13 at 10 a.m.

Join the Strings: Musicians age 13 and 17, along with a member of The Philadelphia Orchestra, will discuss and perform pieces that illustrate music making in a string quartet. Geared toward older children, teens and young adults with an interest in music and their parents, this event offers young musicians a chance to interact and ask questions of their peers. Saturday, January 20 at 10 a.m.

Join the Song: Members of the Temple Children's Choir will perform songs that educate and entertain, with audience participation encouraged. Songs will be fun to sing, easy to learn and designed to illustrate specific musical concepts. This session is for children ages 7 to 17 and their parents. Saturday, January 27 at 10 a.m.

All sessions are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. The "Join the Music" series will be held at WHYY's Technology Center, 150 N. 6th St., Philadelphia. For information, call (215) 351-0511.