Welcome to Symphony Storytime, a fun and unique video series from the Oregon Symphony, designed for pre-K through elementary aged children and their families to experience popular story books. Each episode is entertaining and educational, and includes a great children’s story narrated by a master storyteller, with accompaniment by an Oregon Symphony musician or guest artist, performing the “soundtrack” inspired by each story. Kids will enjoy these 10- 15-minute episodes again and again, like any favorite story or concert, and all episodes are available to watch for free.
In each episode, kids will hear original music, especially curated by the musical guest. Featured musicians might play anything from familiar classical riffs to witty musical improvisations and funny sound effects – moving the story along at a lively pace. Each episode also includes an educational segment that features fun facts about the highlighted instrument.
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Circles are all around us – whether they are seen or unseen. This is what grandpa teaches his granddaughter in "All Around Us" by Xelena Gonzalez. This poetic book challenges our perception of time as linear – accompanied by colorful, detailed illustrations – and calls us to recognize the circular nature of life. This episode is hosted by Matthew Gailey and features Jeff Garza, Principal French Horn. "All Around Us" is published by Cinco Puntos Press, an imprint of Lee & Low Books.
Circles are all around us – whether they are seen or unseen. This is what grandpa teaches his granddaughter in "All Around Us" by Xelena Gonzalez. This poetic book challenges our perception of time as linear – accompanied by colorful, detailed illustrations – and calls us to recognize the circular nature of life. This episode is hosted by Matthew Gailey and features Jeff Garza, Principal French Horn. "All Around Us" is published by Cinco Puntos Press, an imprint of Lee & Low Books.
Watch Now"I Am Enough" by Grace Byers is an ode to self-love, embracing our differences, and reminding ourselves that we are enough just as we are. This episode is narrated by Creative Chair Gabriel Kahane and features Artistic Partner Nathalie Joachim on the flute. This story is read with permission by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing.
"I Am Enough" by Grace Byers is an ode to self-love, embracing our differences, and reminding ourselves that we are enough just as we are. This episode is narrated by Creative Chair Gabriel Kahane and features Artistic Partner Nathalie Joachim on the flute. This story is read with permission by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing.
Watch NowThis episode of Symphony Storytime is an inspiring children's anthem with a call to action: we all have the power to make changes – big or small – in our community and in ourselves! The unique variety of percussion instruments echoes the waves of change shown in this book – as we heed a young girl's invitation to "make change sing" together! This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston and features Assistant Principal Percussion, Stephen Kehner. Change Sings is written by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Loren Long. Published by Viking, An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
This episode of Symphony Storytime is an inspiring children's anthem with a call to action: we all have the power to make changes – big or small – in our community and in ourselves! The unique variety of percussion instruments echoes the waves of change shown in this book – as we heed a young girl's invitation to "make change sing" together! This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston and features Assistant Principal Percussion, Stephen Kehner. Change Sings is written by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Loren Long. Published by Viking, An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
Watch NowGrumpy Monkey is a hilarious and endearing story about Jim, a chimpanzee who is feeling a little different than the rest of his friends – he is feeling grumpy, and nothing is right! Eventually, Jim realizes that it is fine to feel grumpy – and he can embrace his emotions. This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston and features Oregon Symphony musician Jason Sudduth on the English horn. Grumpy Monkey is written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang. Published by Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
Grumpy Monkey is a hilarious and endearing story about Jim, a chimpanzee who is feeling a little different than the rest of his friends – he is feeling grumpy, and nothing is right! Eventually, Jim realizes that it is fine to feel grumpy – and he can embrace his emotions. This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston and features Oregon Symphony musician Jason Sudduth on the English horn. Grumpy Monkey is written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang. Published by Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
Watch NowWhat happens when the wonder of nature meets a cello? In this Symphony Storytime episode, let your imagination soar and your curiosity run wild as the beautiful music of the cello guides you in Micha Archer's marvelous Wonder Walkers. This episode is hosted by Matthew Gailey and features Oregon Symphony musician Trevor Fitzpatrick on the cello. Wonder Walkers is written and illustrated by Micha Archer. Published by Nancy Paulsen Books, NY An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
What happens when the wonder of nature meets a cello? In this Symphony Storytime episode, let your imagination soar and your curiosity run wild as the beautiful music of the cello guides you in Micha Archer's marvelous Wonder Walkers. This episode is hosted by Matthew Gailey and features Oregon Symphony musician Trevor Fitzpatrick on the cello. Wonder Walkers is written and illustrated by Micha Archer. Published by Nancy Paulsen Books, NY An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
Watch NowSometimes bedtime can be scary! For Llama Llama Red Pajama, being alone without his mama at night can be difficult, but in Anna Dewdney's book, Llama's mama and the English horn come together to help soothe Llama Llama Red Pajama's worries. This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston and features Oregon Symphony musician Jason Sudduth on the English horn. Llama Llama Red Pajama is written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. Published by Viking, Penguin Group.
Sometimes bedtime can be scary! For Llama Llama Red Pajama, being alone without his mama at night can be difficult, but in Anna Dewdney's book, Llama's mama and the English horn come together to help soothe Llama Llama Red Pajama's worries. This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston and features Oregon Symphony musician Jason Sudduth on the English horn. Llama Llama Red Pajama is written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. Published by Viking, Penguin Group.
Watch NowAll the World is a lovely poetic story that follows a family and friends throughout the course of a day. With its detailed illustrations, this book invites us to slow down and notice the small and big things that connect us all – which is beautifully reflected by the French horn’s music as it travels with the family through this day of sensory delights. Narrated by Matthew Gailey and featuring Jeff Garza, Oregon Symphony’s Principal French Horn. All the World is written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Martha Frazee. Published by Beach Lane Books, NY, Simon & Schuster.
All the World is a lovely poetic story that follows a family and friends throughout the course of a day. With its detailed illustrations, this book invites us to slow down and notice the small and big things that connect us all – which is beautifully reflected by the French horn’s music as it travels with the family through this day of sensory delights. Narrated by Matthew Gailey and featuring Jeff Garza, Oregon Symphony’s Principal French Horn. All the World is written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Martha Frazee. Published by Beach Lane Books, NY, Simon & Schuster.
Watch NowThis Symphony Storytime episode explores the lyrical beauty behind names, both common and uncommon. Hear the rhythms that make our names special as Assistant Principal Percussion Stephen Kehner encourages us to march to the beat of our own drum! This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston. Your Name is a Song is written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. Published by The Innovation Press.
This Symphony Storytime episode explores the lyrical beauty behind names, both common and uncommon. Hear the rhythms that make our names special as Assistant Principal Percussion Stephen Kehner encourages us to march to the beat of our own drum! This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston. Your Name is a Song is written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. Published by The Innovation Press.
Watch Now"Everything that can be called love – from shared joy to comfort in the darkness – is gathered in the pages of this reassuring, refreshingly honest picture book." —The New York Times Book Review. From Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long comes a story about the strongest bond there is and the diverse and powerful ways it connects us all. Discover it all in LOVE.
"Everything that can be called love – from shared joy to comfort in the darkness – is gathered in the pages of this reassuring, refreshingly honest picture book." —The New York Times Book Review. From Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long comes a story about the strongest bond there is and the diverse and powerful ways it connects us all. Discover it all in LOVE.
Watch NowToday's episode of Symphony Storytime is a wonderful story with a wonderful message: be yourself! Tired of his life as an emu at the zoo, Edward decides to try being something else for a change. He tries swimming with the seals. He spends a day lounging with the lions. He even does a stint slithering with the snakes. But Edward soon discovers that being himself is the best after all. Written by Sheena Knowles and illustrated by Rod Clement. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Carin Miller Packwood, Principal Bassoon.
Today's episode of Symphony Storytime is a wonderful story with a wonderful message: be yourself! Tired of his life as an emu at the zoo, Edward decides to try being something else for a change. He tries swimming with the seals. He spends a day lounging with the lions. He even does a stint slithering with the snakes. But Edward soon discovers that being himself is the best after all. Written by Sheena Knowles and illustrated by Rod Clement. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Carin Miller Packwood, Principal Bassoon.
Watch NowInspired by the true story of a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke a taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl is a brave musical journey for young dreamers everywhere!
Inspired by the true story of a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke a taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl is a brave musical journey for young dreamers everywhere!
Watch NowWritten by Penny Pollock and illustrated by Mary Azarian. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Alicia DiDonato Paulsen, Assistant Principal Flute. The twelve full moons of the year, with traditional Native American names, are described in lyrical poems and illustrated with hand-colored woodcuts.
Written by Penny Pollock and illustrated by Mary Azarian. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Alicia DiDonato Paulsen, Assistant Principal Flute. The twelve full moons of the year, with traditional Native American names, are described in lyrical poems and illustrated with hand-colored woodcuts.
Watch NowWritten by Renée Watson and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Hosted by Shalanda Simas and featuring Doug Reneau, Trumpet. Florence Mills was an internationally-recognized and multifaceted performer during the Harlem Renaissance, and her story is a timeless one about justice, equality, and the importance of following one's heart and dreams.
Written by Renée Watson and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Hosted by Shalanda Simas and featuring Doug Reneau, Trumpet. Florence Mills was an internationally-recognized and multifaceted performer during the Harlem Renaissance, and her story is a timeless one about justice, equality, and the importance of following one's heart and dreams.
Watch NowWritten by Tami Charles and illustrated by Bryan Collier. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Graham Kingsbury, Assistant Principal French Horn. A lyrical, heart-lifting tribute to Black and brown children everywhere that is filled with hope, assurance and love.
Written by Tami Charles and illustrated by Bryan Collier. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Graham Kingsbury, Assistant Principal French Horn. A lyrical, heart-lifting tribute to Black and brown children everywhere that is filled with hope, assurance and love.
Watch NowWritten and illustrated by Jan Brett. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Jeffrey Johnson, Bass. Berlioz the Bear and his fellow musicians are due to play for the town ball when their bandwagon becomes stuck in the road. A strange buzzing in Berlioz's double bass turns into a surprise that saves the day.
Written and illustrated by Jan Brett. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Jeffrey Johnson, Bass. Berlioz the Bear and his fellow musicians are due to play for the town ball when their bandwagon becomes stuck in the road. A strange buzzing in Berlioz's double bass turns into a surprise that saves the day.
Watch NowWritten by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Carin Miller Packwood, Principal Bassoon. Pete the Cat goes walking down the street. Along the way, his white shoes change colors. But Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song.
Written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Carin Miller Packwood, Principal Bassoon. Pete the Cat goes walking down the street. Along the way, his white shoes change colors. But Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song.
Watch NowWritten and illustrated by Jan Brett. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Charles Reneau, Bass Trombone. One by one, a crowd of animals make room for a cozy nap in a lost mitten, until a tiny mouse causes a wonderfully funny outcome.
Written and illustrated by Jan Brett. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Charles Reneau, Bass Trombone. One by one, a crowd of animals make room for a cozy nap in a lost mitten, until a tiny mouse causes a wonderfully funny outcome.
Watch NowWritten by Mo Willems and illustrated by Amber Ren. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Kenji Bunch, Viola. A young girl's love of the symphony and her journey to center stage is full of discovery, persistence and magic.
Written by Mo Willems and illustrated by Amber Ren. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Kenji Bunch, Viola. A young girl's love of the symphony and her journey to center stage is full of discovery, persistence and magic.
Watch NowWritten and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Jon Greeney, Principal Timpanist. Join Peter’s adventures in the deep snow and experience the wonder of a new, snowy world.
Written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Jon Greeney, Principal Timpanist. Join Peter’s adventures in the deep snow and experience the wonder of a new, snowy world.
Watch NowWritten by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Doug Reneau, Trumpet. A be-boppin' baby and his big, rhythmic family make some jazzy music together.
Written by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Doug Reneau, Trumpet. A be-boppin' baby and his big, rhythmic family make some jazzy music together.
Watch NowMama Duck has a hunch that the big brown creature waddling behind her babies is no duck, but she knows how to beat the foxy imposter at his own game! Written by July Hindley and illustrated by Ivan Bates. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Karen Wagner, assistant principal oboe.
Mama Duck has a hunch that the big brown creature waddling behind her babies is no duck, but she knows how to beat the foxy imposter at his own game! Written by July Hindley and illustrated by Ivan Bates. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Karen Wagner, assistant principal oboe.
Watch NowFroggy and his marching band pals are sure they can win the big prize in the Apple Blossom Parade, but when Froggy’s around, things never go quite as planned. Written by Jonathan London and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring JáTtik Clark, principal tuba.
Froggy and his marching band pals are sure they can win the big prize in the Apple Blossom Parade, but when Froggy’s around, things never go quite as planned. Written by Jonathan London and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring JáTtik Clark, principal tuba.
Watch NowTanka the elephant and his friend Skunka have names that sound like drums. They’ve got some friends for you to meet, so let’s say their names to the Tanka Skunka beat! Written by Steve Webb. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Michael Roberts, principal percussion.
Tanka the elephant and his friend Skunka have names that sound like drums. They’ve got some friends for you to meet, so let’s say their names to the Tanka Skunka beat! Written by Steve Webb. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Michael Roberts, principal percussion.
Watch NowA young boy peers out of the old farmhouse window – who could possibly be having a barn dance in the middle of the night? Written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault and illustrated by Ted Rand. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Marilyn de Oliveira, assistant principal cello.
A young boy peers out of the old farmhouse window – who could possibly be having a barn dance in the middle of the night? Written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault and illustrated by Ted Rand. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Marilyn de Oliveira, assistant principal cello.
Watch NowThree baby owls anxiously wait for their mother’s return, erupting into joyous flapping and dancing when she finally arrives. Written by Martin Waddell and illustrated by Patrick Benson. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Alicia DiDonato Paulsen, assistant principal flute.
Three baby owls anxiously wait for their mother’s return, erupting into joyous flapping and dancing when she finally arrives. Written by Martin Waddell and illustrated by Patrick Benson. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Alicia DiDonato Paulsen, assistant principal flute.
Watch NowTacky's an odd bird who marches to the beat of his own drummer, which the other penguins find bothersome, until his odd behavior saves the day! Written by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring JáTtik Clark, principal tuba.
Tacky's an odd bird who marches to the beat of his own drummer, which the other penguins find bothersome, until his odd behavior saves the day! Written by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring JáTtik Clark, principal tuba.
Watch NowA pair of eyes in the dark? Bob discovers it's a friendly creature wishing him goodnight. Written by Ann Hassett and illustrated by John Hassett. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Michael Roberts, principal percussion.
A pair of eyes in the dark? Bob discovers it's a friendly creature wishing him goodnight. Written by Ann Hassett and illustrated by John Hassett. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Michael Roberts, principal percussion.
Watch NowTop Cat doesn't want to share his house and favorite things, but soon he learns that two cats can be lots more fun than one. Written by Lois Ehlert. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Karen Wagner, assistant principal oboe.
Top Cat doesn't want to share his house and favorite things, but soon he learns that two cats can be lots more fun than one. Written by Lois Ehlert. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Karen Wagner, assistant principal oboe.
Watch NowWhen Mole finally learns to play the violin, his music has an effect more magical than he will ever know. Written by David McPhail. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Marilyn de Oliveira, assistant principal cello.
When Mole finally learns to play the violin, his music has an effect more magical than he will ever know. Written by David McPhail. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Marilyn de Oliveira, assistant principal cello.
Watch Now
Designed for families with children ages 5–10, Kids Concerts are both entertaining and educational.