Instrument petting zoo delights a crowd at the Richmond Beach Library

Text and photos by Jan Hansen

Presented by KING FM Radio, Music Center of the Northwest, and the King County Libraries, the Musical Petting Zoo took place at the Richmond Beach Library on Saturday, April 28, 2018.

Instructors from the Music Center of the Northwest set out a spread including an oboe, trombone, euphonium, trumpet, and violins in three different sizes!

It was a come and go procession of eager children with their escorts. At least three musicians were sharing musical treats. One gentleman had an assortment of brass from which each “customer” could choose.

“The one you chose looks like a trumpet, but it’s a coronet. Do you want to play it? Can you make a buzzing sound with your lips.” There were smiles all around.

From the area with the cello, I saw a young girl nicely balancing the instrument. A few minutes later I heard a lovely arrangement of “Mary had a Little Lamb.”

Another woman was sharing experiences with smaller string instruments.

Excitement, motion, and sound filled the meeting room with happiness. Who says there’s a silence requirement in a library?