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Moozie Symphony In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Children's Kindness Network, two symphony pieces, utilizing the theme of kindness, were commissioned to be written. Composed by Nationally Known Composer Kim Scharnberg Many recognized orchestras have played the arrangements of this nationally known composer, including the Boston Pops and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Scharnberg has orchestrated Broadway musicals including Little Women, Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and The Civil War, and has written orchestrations for feature films such as A River Runs Through It.
Members of the Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Timothy Russell, Professor of Music. The first of Mr. Scharnberg's commissioned pieces is based on the narrative of the acclaimed children's book, Moozie's Kind Adventure, written by Jane Morton and illustrated by Jane Royse. The book theme is how Moozie the Cow saves three baby ducklings from a herd of thirsty cows. The story illustrates how one cow's act of kindness, just like one person's act of kindness, can truly make a difference. (Mr. Scharnberg has also arranged Moozie's Kind Adventure so that it can be played by high school concert bands.) Length 4 1/2 minutes
Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra with Dr. Timothy Russell. The narration for Mr. Scharnberg's second piece was written by award winning writer, Tom Easton. Entitled Moozie the Cow Visits the Barnyard Symphony Orchestra, this story is centered on a little triangle that wants to join the orchestra. However, Tinny Triangle is afraid and doesn't know the sound he will make when playing with the orchestra. Moozie the Cow comes to his aid and shows Tiny Triangle around the orchestra, introducing him to the different instruments—some who are kind, and some who are not so kind. During this journey, instruments in the orchestra sections "show off" and the audience hears and learns about the different instruments. Throughout the composition, each orchestra section is playing a different style of music, everything from hoe-down to Copeland-style. In the end, each section's unique musical style blends together as the entire orchestra plays this beautiful, high energy piece. The closing narration line: "You see, being kind helps us all play together and make beautiful music—no matter how different we may be!"
Composer Kim Scharnberg reads narration as orchestra plays. Children's Kindness Network had the great fortune of Dr. Timothy Russell—nationally known conductor and ASU Professor of Music—and the Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra perform the "flight test" for these two pieces. The pieces were played for an audience of young children and parents, with feedback from this "flight test" being very positive. The musicians even commented on their enjoyment of playing pieces that had a narrative of kindness. As a conductor and record producer, Dr. Russell has received two Grammy nominations for The Manhattan Transfer Meets Tubby the Tuba (on D=Note Classics) as the "Best Musical Album for Children" in 1995, and for Inner Voices with R. Carlos Nakai (on Canyon Records) as a "Best New Age Album" in 2000. Goal of These Commissioned Pieces Children's Kindness Network brings kindness to children through a variety of modalities. Music is one of them. Music has been shown to impact the social-emotional development of children, as well as impacting their cognitive learning. The most rapid development of a child's brain happens when the child is very young, and music helps make the connections being formed in the brain during this time of rapid growth. It is hoped that as children and families hear these pieces, it will stimulate conversations related to kindness toward each other; showing respect and respecting differences. It is also hoped that the pieces help everyone recognize that while we might think one individual can't make much difference, every person has the ability to make a big difference. Classroom materials are available to support the message of kindness in these two pieces. In addition, students are introduced to the difference instruments featured in Moozie the Cow Visits the Barnyard Symphony Orchestra. Want These Pieces Played In Your Community? For details on obtaining the musical score for these pieces, please contact us. Click here.
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