Buggybuddys for Families in Perth

WASO Kids Cushion Concerts

The West Australian Symphony Orchestra, commonly known as WASO, host their much-loved Kids Cushion Concerts at various locations throughout the year starting in February.  If you have young children they are not to be missed!

I went along with my almost 4 year old and my 16 month old daughters to the May concert at the Joondalup Reception Centre and both of them immensely enjoyed the whole experience.

So what does a Cushion Concert entail? The performance is a 40-minute interactive story time following the adventures of Echo the Gecko. The WASO 15 piece educational orchestra (EChO) provides the sound effects and music that accompany Echo on his magical journey.
 
What should I expect? The performance is a great way to introduce young children to the delights of a live orchestra. The name of the performance ‘Cushion Concerts’ refers to the fact that it isn’t a standard seated performance. Everyone finds a spot of the floor of the hall – whether it be Joondalup Reception Centre or Wardle Hall at the Perth Concert Hall, and makes themselves comfy. There are chairs at the back of the hall for the adults but if your child likes to sit with you and you like to be close to the action expect a numb bottom or take a cushion with you!

 The performance itself is very interactive. At various intervals children are invited to get up and dance, clap, shout-out and even become sailors joining Echo on his high sea adventure. My almost four year old was completely focused for the whole performance, carrying out all the actions as requested by Lee – the main performer and caretaker of Echo the Gecko. I was surprised of how my 16-month interacted with the performance. I was expecting a nightmare situation! Instead she sat on my knee watching the action, standing up every now and then to get a better look and clapping and dancing away in time with the music. I was with a couple of friends with the same aged youngsters and again they were mesmerized by the show.
 

At the end of the performance, when Echo the Gecko has travelled the world visiting the far away islands of Woodwind, Brass, Strings and percussion (have I missed anyone out there – I hope not!) Echo returns home to a box in his shed at Cottesloe Beach but the fun doesn’t stop there. The orchestra then disburses themselves around the room, each with their instrument which they invite the audience to come and try out.  So my eldest daughter enjoyed having a turn of the flute, the violin, the trumpet and various other instruments. At this point though my 16 month old had decided that he quiet concentration period was now over and she much preferred running around the hall.  In all a great time was had by all.


 
 
 

My advice if you are planning on going along to the next cushion concerts:

·      Arrive early. The best spot is at the front in the middle. As there are no seats allocated – it’s first in first served!

·      Don’t be afraid to take along children under 2 as they are still able to gain enjoyment from the performance and nobody minds if they stand, chat, sing, walkabout or try to storm the stage! It’s best to make sure that they are fed and watered before the performance. Some mums brought along snacks for the younger kids to keep them occupied during the performance but I found that it was an added distraction that wasn’t necessary.

·      If you are up for sitting on the floor instead of a chair maybe bring along your own cushion.

·      Talk to your child in advance and see if they show an interest in a particular instrument. That way when the instruments are brought out at the end of the show you can make a beeline to try that one out so that it doesn’t get missed and you end up with a disappointed child.

 
 June Concerts