BARNET - The Vermont Symphony Orchestra Petting Zoo stopped by the Barnet School Friday morning, but this isn't your ordinary petting zoo. Kids in all grades got to learn about the history of instruments and play them as well.
Teachers and students are worried about the arts and music being cut. The "Zoo-Keeper", Rebecca Kopycinski says "Music is fun and kids need fun... I worry about art and music in schools and you know that's the first thing that goes when they cut. So I think it's important to have music in schools because it makes for a well rounded individual with a stronger brain."
The Music Director at the Barnet School, Sue Persson, notices a change in the child's brain when music and art are incorporated. "If you read any brain research you will know about the connection between music and math..and music and all sorts of things. The neuropath ways are open when you play or sing music and are completely different than other path ways."
Music allows kids to work together in a group and lets them set a goal for themselves.
This event allowed students to have a hands on approach to learn and develop a new love for instruments. It's used as a recruiting tool for the band, and the older kids are keeping and eye out for the younger kids who seem interested in the new instruments. "It's great to see other students trying new instruments. It kind of gives us info on who would be good for certain instruments and be able to play in our band," says Emerson Joliffe, a 7th grader at the Barnet School.
The school holds the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Petting Zoo every four years and looks forward to having them again in the future.