On Saturday, July 31, the San Bernardino County Museum will be alive with music and dance from 10am to 4pm. Visitors will explore the properties of rhythm and sound, making and using instruments that are accessible to everyone. This program is included in paid museum admission.
“Music is all around us, and is a natural part of being human,” said Curator of Education Jolene Redvale. “This family-fun day will give visitors the opportunity to actively explore sound, rhythm and dance.”
Visitors will enjoy learning square dancing and basic steps of Zumba, the fitness craze that combines an aerobic workout with the sounds of salsa and other Latin music. Drums Alive will return to the museum after being well-received at a recent event, bringing their unique style of fit-ball-and-rhythm combo.
Visitors will make small rattles called maracas to take home. Shaking and rattling instruments have been used by nearly every culture as a way of keeping a beat or adding to the sound complex of other instruments. Then, they can use their rattles in a rhythm circle, exploring sounds made by different types of percussion instruments. The game of Lummi Sticks will keep visitors tapping while they learn and perform.
Dance sets will begin with square dancing at 11am and continue every hour from 1 to 5pm. Rhythm circles and rattle making will begin at 10am and run all day. Designed for all ages, this family fun day is part of the museum’s “Arts, Naturally” initiative supported by a grant from the James Irvine Foundation.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and holiday Mondays from 9am to 5pm. Admission is $8 (adult), $6 (military or senior), $5 (student) and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.
The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.