Children to Learn about Band Instrument Industry

Bristol, IN – Looking for a fun and educational family event over winter break? The Elkhart County Historical Museum has the answer for you! On Monday, December 29th, the museum will host a children’s activity day celebrating Elkhart’s history as the “band instrument capital of the world.” From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. children can stop by the museum to experience crafts, hands-on activities, and, of course, music.

Children will have the opportunity to make their own instruments out of recycled materials and experience what it was like to work on a factory assembly line. They will also make a marching band hat complete with feathered plume and learn to identify musical instruments. After completing each station, children will receive a sticker and once they collect 6 stickers the child can enter a drawing to win a historical themed gift.

“We started out wanting to give kids and parents something fun to do over their winter break,” says Curator of Education Rebecca Oestreich. “We chose the band industry as a topic because of our local history as well as its continued popularity in the community. In fact, because of a push from some leaders of Elkhart’s instrument manufacturers that local school band programs are so prevalent today.”

As a special treat, members of The New Horizons Band will be the museum at 1:00 p.m. to demonstrate their band instruments to the crowd. “While we do have some Elkhart-made band instruments on display in the museum, actually seeing the instruments being handled and hearing what they sound like will complete the experience,” says Oestreich. “After all, that’s what band instruments are meant for –- playing.”

All Children’s Activity Days are free admission. For more information, please contact Oestreich at 574-848-4322 or rebecca@elkhartcountyparks.org.