Watch & Listen
Symphony Storytime
Welcome to Symphony Storytime, an entertaining and educational video series designed for pre-K through elementary-aged children and their families to experience popular storybooks. Each episode includes a children’s story narrated by a storyteller with original accompaniment by an Oregon Symphony musician or guest artist. Kids will enjoy these free and short episodes again and again!
Season 4
"Max Found Two Sticks" featuring the snare drum
Discover the joy of music with Max – a young boy who finds two sticks and becomes a drummer! Host Marilyn de Oliveira and percussionist Andy Akiho bring the words to this rhythmic and energetic story and shows us that we can make music out of anything in our environment.
"Pig and Horse and the Something Scary" featuring the harp
Sometimes, the best way to face our fears is to talk about them with a good friend. In this episode, Host Adam Eccleston and Oregon Symphony harpist Matthew Tutsky delve into Zoey Abbott's whimsical tale about talking about our worries instead of ignoring them.
"I Love You! A Bushel & A Peck" with voice & guitar
Watch a classic song come to life in this endearing episode, featuring I Love You! A Bushel and a Peck written by Frank Loesser and illustrated by Rosemary Wells. Marilyn de Oliveira hosts Vocalist/Guitarist Beth Wood as she sings this sweet song of two smitten ducklings who care so much for each other.
"A Horn is Born" featuring the viola
Follow Old Shoehorn's heartwarming journey toward discovering the magic of music! In this episode, Host Adam Eccleston and Oregon Symphony Principal violist Amanda Grimm explore A Horn is Born - an inspirational tale about overcoming hardship and shining brightly despite all odds.
"Julián is a Mermaid" featuring the steel pan
Individuality and self-expression are worth celebrating! In this heartwarming episode, host Marilyn de Oliveira and percussionist Andy Akiho bring Jessica Love's story about Julián - a young boy who loves dressing up like a mermaid - to life. Follow along as they uncover the value of celebrating who we are and embracing what makes us unique. Andy plays his amazing steel pan drum!
"Counting to Bananas" featuring the viola
When will it be time for bananas?! Tag along with us for this hilarious story about a narrator and a banana with very strong opinions. Host Adam Eccleston joins Oregon Symphony Principal violist Amanda Grimm to tell Carrie Tillotson's Counting to Bananas in this fun-filled episode.
"Abdul’s Story" featuring the bass
Everybody makes mistakes sometimes - even the best superheroes! In this episode, host Marilyn de Oliveira and Oregon Symphony Bassist Mariya Andonova explore Abdul's Story - a heartwarming tale about getting your ideas out for all to enjoy; editing can come later. Read with permission by Simon & Schuster.
"I Will Keep You Safe and Sound" featuring the harp
Go on a magical adventure where loving animal guardians assure their young that they'll always protect them. Hosted by Adam Eccleston and featuring music played by Oregon Symphony harpist Matthew Tutsky, this story is sure to provide peace and calmness among young viewers. Read with permission by Scholastic Press.
"You Stole My Name" featuring Voice & Guitar
Take a musical journey through the animal kingdom with You Stole My Name - a colorful tale exploring animals' namesakes as unlikely pairs meet in the natural world. Oregon Symphony cellist Marilyn de Oliveira hosts while author and illustrator Dennis McGregor sings his book and plays guitar. This story is read with permission by Blue Star Press.
Season Three
"All Around Us" featuring French horn
Circles are all around us – whether they are seen or unseen. This is what grandpa teaches his granddaughter in "All Around Us" by Xelena Gonzalez. This poetic book challenges our perception of time as linear – accompanied by colorful, detailed illustrations – and calls us to recognize the circular nature of life. This episode is hosted by Matthew Gailey and features Jeff Garza, Principal French Horn. "All Around Us" is published by Cinco Puntos Press, an imprint of Lee & Low Books.
"I Am Enough" featuring flute
"I Am Enough" by Grace Byers is an ode to self-love, embracing our differences, and reminding ourselves that we are enough just as we are. This episode is narrated by Creative Chair Gabriel Kahane and features Artistic Partner Nathalie Joachim on the flute. This story is read with permission by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing.
"Change Sings" featuring percussion
This episode of Symphony Storytime is an inspiring children's anthem with a call to action: we all have the power to make changes – big or small – in our community and in ourselves! The unique variety of percussion instruments echoes the waves of change shown in this book – as we heed a young girl's invitation to "make change sing" together! This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston and features Assistant Principal Percussion, Stephen Kehner. Change Sings is written by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Loren Long. Published by Viking, An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
"Grumpy Monkey" featuring English horn
Grumpy Monkey is a hilarious and endearing story about Jim, a chimpanzee who is feeling a little different than the rest of his friends – he is feeling grumpy, and nothing is right! Eventually, Jim realizes that it is fine to feel grumpy – and he can embrace his emotions. This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston and features Oregon Symphony musician Jason Sudduth on the English horn. Grumpy Monkey is written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang. Published by Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
"Wonder Walkers" featuring cello
What happens when the wonder of nature meets a cello? In this Symphony Storytime episode, let your imagination soar and your curiosity run wild as the beautiful music of the cello guides you in Micha Archer's marvelous Wonder Walkers. This episode is hosted by Matthew Gailey and features Oregon Symphony musician Trevor Fitzpatrick on the cello. Wonder Walkers is written and illustrated by Micha Archer. Published by Nancy Paulsen Books, NY An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
"Llama Llama Red Pajama" featuring English horn
Sometimes bedtime can be scary! For Llama Llama Red Pajama, being alone without his mama at night can be difficult, but in Anna Dewdney's book, Llama's mama and the English horn come together to help soothe Llama Llama Red Pajama's worries. This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston and features Oregon Symphony musician Jason Sudduth on the English horn. Llama Llama Red Pajama is written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. Published by Viking, Penguin Group.
"All The World" featuring the French horn
All the World is a lovely poetic story that follows a family and friends throughout the course of a day. With its detailed illustrations, this book invites us to slow down and notice the small and big things that connect us all – which is beautifully reflected by the French horn’s music as it travels with the family through this day of sensory delights. Narrated by Matthew Gailey and featuring Jeff Garza, Oregon Symphony’s Principal French Horn. All the World is written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Martha Frazee. Published by Beach Lane Books, NY, Simon & Schuster.
"Your Name is a Song" featuring Percussion
This Symphony Storytime episode explores the lyrical beauty behind names, both common and uncommon. Hear the rhythms that make our names special as Assistant Principal Percussion Stephen Kehner encourages us to march to the beat of our own drum! This episode is hosted by Adam Eccleston. Your Name is a Song is written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. Published by The Innovation Press.
Season Two
"Love" featuring the viola
"Everything that can be called love – from shared joy to comfort in the darkness – is gathered in the pages of this reassuring, refreshingly honest picture book." —The New York Times Book Review. From Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long comes a story about the strongest bond there is and the diverse and powerful ways it connects us all. Discover it all in LOVE.
"Edward the Emu" featuring the Bassoon
Today's episode of Symphony Storytime is a wonderful story with a wonderful message: be yourself! Tired of his life as an emu at the zoo, Edward decides to try being something else for a change. He tries swimming with the seals. He spends a day lounging with the lions. He even does a stint slithering with the snakes. But Edward soon discovers that being himself is the best after all. Written by Sheena Knowles and illustrated by Rod Clement. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Carin Miller Packwood, Principal Bassoon.
"Drum Dream Girl" featuring the Timpani and Percussion
Inspired by the true story of a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke a taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl is a brave musical journey for young dreamers everywhere!
"When the Moon is Full" featuring the Flute
Written by Penny Pollock and illustrated by Mary Azarian. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Alicia DiDonato Paulsen, Assistant Principal Flute. The twelve full moons of the year, with traditional Native American names, are described in lyrical poems and illustrated with hand-colored woodcuts.
"Harlem's Little Blackbird" featuring the Trumpet
Written by Renée Watson and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Hosted by Shalanda Simas and featuring Doug Reneau, Trumpet. Florence Mills was an internationally-recognized and multifaceted performer during the Harlem Renaissance, and her story is a timeless one about justice, equality, and the importance of following one's heart and dreams.
"All Because You Matter" featuring the French horn
Written by Tami Charles and illustrated by Bryan Collier. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Graham Kingsbury, Assistant Principal French Horn. A lyrical, heart-lifting tribute to Black and brown children everywhere that is filled with hope, assurance and love.
"Berlioz the Bear" featuring the Double Bass
Written and illustrated by Jan Brett. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Jeffrey Johnson, Bass. Berlioz the Bear and his fellow musicians are due to play for the town ball when their bandwagon becomes stuck in the road. A strange buzzing in Berlioz's double bass turns into a surprise that saves the day.
"Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes" featuring the Bassoon
Written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Carin Miller Packwood, Principal Bassoon. Pete the Cat goes walking down the street. Along the way, his white shoes change colors. But Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song.
"The Mitten: A Ukrainian Folktale," featuring the Bass Trombone
Written and illustrated by Jan Brett. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Charles Reneau, Bass Trombone. One by one, a crowd of animals make room for a cozy nap in a lost mitten, until a tiny mouse causes a wonderfully funny outcome.
"Because," Featuring the Viola
Written by Mo Willems and illustrated by Amber Ren. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Kenji Bunch, Viola. A young girl's love of the symphony and her journey to center stage is full of discovery, persistence and magic.
“The Snowy Day,” Featuring the Timpani and Percussion
Written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Jon Greeney, Principal Timpanist. Join Peter’s adventures in the deep snow and experience the wonder of a new, snowy world.
"Jazz Baby," Featuring the Trumpet
Written by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Hosted by Shalanda Sims and featuring Doug Reneau, Trumpet. A be-boppin' baby and his big, rhythmic family make some jazzy music together.
Season One
“Do Like a Duck Does,” Featuring the Oboe
Mama Duck has a hunch that the big brown creature waddling behind her babies is no duck, but she knows how to beat the foxy imposter at his own game! Written by July Hindley and illustrated by Ivan Bates. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Karen Wagner, assistant principal oboe.
“Froggy Plays in the Band,” Featuring the Tuba
Froggy and his marching band pals are sure they can win the big prize in the Apple Blossom Parade, but when Froggy’s around, things never go quite as planned. Written by Jonathan London and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring JáTtik Clark, principal tuba.
“Tanka Tanka Skunk,” Featuring Percussion
Tanka the elephant and his friend Skunka have names that sound like drums. They’ve got some friends for you to meet, so let’s say their names to the Tanka Skunka beat! Written by Steve Webb. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Michael Roberts, principal percussion.
“Barn Dance,” Featuring the Cello
A young boy peers out of the old farmhouse window – who could possibly be having a barn dance in the middle of the night? Written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault and illustrated by Ted Rand. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Marilyn de Oliveira, assistant principal cello.
“Owl Babies,” Featuring the Flute
Three baby owls anxiously wait for their mother’s return, erupting into joyous flapping and dancing when she finally arrives. Written by Martin Waddell and illustrated by Patrick Benson. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Alicia DiDonato Paulsen, assistant principal flute.
“Tacky the Penguin,” Featuring the Tuba
Tacky's an odd bird who marches to the beat of his own drummer, which the other penguins find bothersome, until his odd behavior saves the day! Written by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring JáTtik Clark, principal tuba.
“Goodnight Bob,” Featuring Percussion
A pair of eyes in the dark? Bob discovers it's a friendly creature wishing him goodnight. Written by Ann Hassett and illustrated by John Hassett. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Michael Roberts, principal percussion.
“Top Cat,” Featuring the Oboe
Top Cat doesn't want to share his house and favorite things, but soon he learns that two cats can be lots more fun than one. Written by Lois Ehlert. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Karen Wagner, assistant principal oboe.
“Mole Music,” Featuring the Cello
When Mole finally learns to play the violin, his music has an effect more magical than he will ever know. Written by David McPhail. Hosted by Amy Haroldson and featuring Marilyn de Oliveira, assistant principal cello.