TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - It would be hard to get through a day without some connection with a form of music. Music is a language that all people speak. Music cuts across racial, cultural, social, educational and economic barriers to enhance cultural appreciation and awareness.

The University of Alabama’s Community Music School is celebrating all things musical during its 15th anniversary open house. A grand musical celebration is set for Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Moody Music Building.

All of the events are free and open to the public and will cater to children. There will be refreshments, a baby-changing room and convenient stroller parking.

The Community Music School believes that an education in the arts is one of the most essential and enriching experiences a child, youth or adult can enjoy. The program offers opportunities for aspiring music students of all ages and abilities, as well as financial aid to students who may not otherwise be able to study.

Sample a variety of programs during the 15th anniversary celebration and open house and browse the information about private music lessons, lessons on all orchestral instruments, piano, guitar and voice, and summer camps for children of all ages.

Most classes and camps meet at the Moody Music Building, except for a few Kindermusik classes that will be held in partnership with the Children’s Hands-On Museum. Times and prices vary by class. All instruments and supplies are provided for the summer camps. Around the World in Five Days drum camp, Kindermusik Adventures camp and Art Camp provide snacks.

15th anniversary celebration activities include:

Kindermusik demonstration classes: These classes feature age-appropriate activities for children (with parent or caregiver) from birth through 7 years. All classes use music and movement to stimulate a child’s total development. They also incorporate age appropriate exploration of simple percussion instruments -- resonator bars and drums, jingle sticks, shakers - and the use of hoops, scarves and balls to round out the fun. Story time, vocal play, singing, listening, sound experiences and craft-making strengthen the inner resources of rapidly developing children.

Musical Petting Zoo: This hands-on activity will introduce children of all ages to the magic of making music. A variety of instruments are available including flute, trumpet, violin, cello and French horn. Friendly and instructive volunteers will be there to assist the children. The Tuscaloosa Symphony Guild graciously has made this activity possible.

Student & Teacher Solo Performances: Selected student soloists will perform short pieces on a variety of instruments throughout the morning in Moody Music Concert Hall. Community Music School teachers also will perform a variety of short works, as well as give a short educational talk about each featured instrument and music piece. The activity provides an opportunity to introduce a child to different instruments in a relaxed atmosphere.

Suzuki Strings, Tuscaloosa Junior & Chamber Strings, Youth Orchestra Performance: These string and wind groups will perform short works and introduce the audience to the families of instruments in the orchestra (winds, brass, strings and percussion). A variation on some well-known children’s songs to showcase each family of instruments has been written for the open house by Gary Smoke.

Learn more about the following summer camp options and register at the 15th anniversary celebration and open house.

Around the World in Five Days: Introduction to World Percussion and Rhythms: Children need only bring a desire to explore a variety of percussion instruments to this camp. Neal Flum, assistant director of athletic bands and director of marching percussion at The University of Alabama, will take children on a hands-on tour of drums from the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and the United States. The camp includes a daily dose of music appreciation, short performances on percussion instruments and snack time. Students will be grouped by age (5-7, 8-10 and 11-13).

Art Camp: Beginning and Intermediate: Students will enjoy drawing with color pastels and graphite in addition to painting with acrylic and watercolors. A daily art appreciation session will introduce an overview of the masters. There is beginning level instruction for the younger students (older students also can be beginners), and skill building instruction for older students with experience. Students will be grouped by age (5-7, 8-10, 11-13). The instructor is Alaina Enslen, a former artist-in-residence at the Children’s Hands-On Museum.

Kindermusik Summer Camps: Classes break down into the following age groups: Village classes are for the youngest among us from birth to 17 months (with parent or caregiver); Creatures In The Ocean or Backyard classes are for children 18 months to 3 years (with parent or caregiver).

Confetti Days classes let children from ages 3 to 5 explore instruments, and parents only attend the last 20 minutes of each class; and Adventures Around the World classes are perfect for children ages 4 to 7. No parent is required to attend.

As an added benefit, Tuscaloosa Safe Kids will provide literature and have volunteers on site to provide information on child passenger safety during the day.

For more information on the 15th anniversary Community Music School celebration and open house, call 205/348-6741 or visit the website at www.music.ua.edu/cms/.