Family Programs

Symphony Storytimes

Introduce younger children to music with a fun, interactive storytime at a local public library. A reader from the library will tell the stories while an Oregon Symphony musician brings them to life with live music. At the end, kids get to see and try the instruments for themselves with an instrument petting zoo.

In-Person Schedule Watch Symphony Storytime videos

About

Symphony Storytimes

Music and literature come together during library storytelling times for pre-schoolers and above! Each Storytime features a musician from one of the four families of the orchestra (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion) playing the “soundtrack” to great children’s stories. Included is an instrument petting zoo, where children get hands-on experience with the instruments and get to know the artist. We can be found playing along with storytellers at various libraries and events this season.

All Symphony Storytimes are free and open to the public.

2025/26

Symphony Storytime schedule

ALBINA LIBRARY 205 NE Russell St Portland, OR 97212	HILLSDALE LIBRARY 1525 SW Sunset Blvd Portland, OR 97239
Tuesday, October 14 4:00PM – 5:00PM ⁠Brass	Monday, February 23 4:00PM – 5:00PM Brass
Tuesday, October 21 4:00PM – 5:00PM ⁠Percussion	Monday, March 2 4:00PM – 5:00PM Percussion
Tuesday, October 28 4:00PM – 5:00PM ⁠Strings	Monday, March 9 4:00PM – 5:00PM Woodwinds
Tuesday, November 4 4:00PM – 5:00PM Woodwinds	Monday, March 16 4:00PM – 5:00PM Strings

Video

"Max Found Two Sticks" featuring the snare drum

This video is the finale of Symphony Storytime Season Four which features videos of stories with orchestra musicians playing a variety of musical instruments.

Symphony Storytimes bring stories to life for young listeners, enhancing them with live music played by Oregon Symphony musicians like Marilyn de Oliveira, Cello.

Watch all episodes, including Season One, Two, and Three, for free

Play Video