Competition Win Sparks Creative Expressions at Greater Chicago Children's Museum

The Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago has introduced a new musical experience for young and adult visitors thanks to winning a competition held by Percussion Play earlier this year.

The museum attended the annual conference of the Association of Children's Museums in Madison, Wisconsin, in May. Shortly after the conference, it was notified that it had won a competition, which resulted in the museum receiving a wonderful selection of outdoor musical instruments.

Percussion Play delivered the Rainbow Trio Ensemble instruments over the summer. The ensemble includes Rainbow Bongos, which are percussion instruments, as well as a Rainbow Metallophone and Rainbow Chimes, both tuned to the pentatonic scale. This setup provides a safe environment for exploring new sounds outdoors.

Introducing young children to musical instruments can significantly help develop their hand-eye coordination, listening skills, and both gross and fine motor skills. This exposure also promotes muscle tone in their hands and arms. Children instinctively create melodies and explore their imaginations through listening to and making music, much like how they acquire language skills before they learn to read and write music.

Joe Sarr, the Director of Exhibits, commented on the addition of the instruments, saying, "This is a very, very fitting addition to our exhibit collection. It means that we are able to add a substantial new component to our outdoor space, which we've wanted for some time, especially a musical addition. We're all really happy."

Joe continues, "We had to think about where exactly to put the instruments as we have a very large park behind our museum. Once we received them, we found the perfect spot in the southeast corner of the park where there wasn't really anything else present. We hear kids playing the instruments all the time, and it's quite pleasant to hear. They bring an entirely new and comfortable atmosphere to the area, and the bright colors engage the kids."

Outdoor musical instruments in children's museums offer a multitude of benefits that extend beyond mere play. They provide children with an interactive, sensory-rich experience that fosters creativity and self-expression. Engaging with music outdoors encourages physical activity, allowing children to move, dance, and explore their environment while developing coordination and balance. Furthermore, these instruments promote social interaction, as children often play together, sharing ideas and collaborating on melodies. This communal aspect not only enhances communication skills but also builds friendships. By incorporating outdoor musical instruments into the museum experience, we cultivate a fun and educational environment where children can learn, grow, and connect with one another through the universal language of music.