Submitted Photo Fredonia School of Music students are slated to perform at area libraries this Saturday. Pictured from left are Theresa Thordarson, piano; Evan Kirshen, trumpet; and Mateo Mendez, oboe.

The Musical Journeys Program of The State University of New York at Fredonia School of Music kicks off its 12th season of free concerts designed to appeal to very young children. The Fredonia Baroque Trio from the Fredonia School of Music will perform a half-hour Children’s Concert at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, in Lakewood Memorial Library, 12 West Summit St., Lakewood and at 1:30 p.m. in Darwin R. Barker Library, 7 Day St., Fredonia.

Planned with the help of Fredonia faculty, who are experts in music and education, the concerts are designed to introduce very young audiences (from infants to 6 year olds) to musical instruments. In this child-friendly environment, performers will invite the children to sit on the floor close to the musicians; family members are encouraged to bring blankets or carpet squares to sit on. Strollers can be parked around the edges of the seating area.

“It’s wonderful to see the musical relationship between the children and the college student performers develop as the concert progresses. The musicians are sharing music they love, and the children certainly respond to that,” said Sarah Hamilton, associate professor of oboe and co-organizer.

The musicians are Fredonia School of Music students Mateo Mendez, oboe (Silver Creek); Evan Kirshen, trumpet (East Northport); and Theresa Thordarson, piano (Winnipeg, Canada).

“The Children’s Concerts are enjoyable, child-appropriate opportunities for very young children to interact with music and musicians. For the young audience and the performers, music becomes a playmate to join in a thrilling adventure,” said Jill Reese, assistant professor of music and co-organizer at the Fredonia School of Music.

“During these events, learning and teaching among the children and the student musicians is mutual: children learn about music through moving, listening, and creating, and our student musicians learn to engage young imaginations and ignite new musical passions.”

The Children’s Concert Series is part of the Musical Journeys Program, a community outreach project offered by the Fredonia School of Music. More information is available at www.fredonia.edu/music/community/ccs.asp or call 673-4628.