The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has joined Cedar Valley College to provide free instruments and music lessons to elementary-age students in southern Dallas.

The “Young Musicians Saturday Conservatory” is aimed at building interest and passion for music among young school children. The training will take place at Cedar Valley College, part of the Dallas County Community College District. Cedar Valley is well noted for its award-winning music program.

“Research shows that learning a musical instrument has a very positive impact on young children,” says Dr. Kathryn D. Brown, music program coordinator and faculty member at Cedar Valley College.“Music is not just a school thing but a lifelong practice. In this conservatory, not only do participants get to learn about appreciating music, but they get to actually make music.”

The program is for students in grades 2-5 and includes singing and drum circles. Along with the specific skills needed to play the instruments themselves, these experiences instill confidence and social and emotional learning. With many schools cutting or de-emphasizing music programs, many students miss out on these skill-building opportunities.

“The thing about getting instruments in their hands and this connection to the Dallas Symphony is the hope that these young students have a better understanding that making music and orchestral music are not these inaccessible things that are just for other people,” remarks Dr. Brown.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has expanded its reach to include underserved communities. The organization is committed to developing and promoting the musical talents of children by introducing them to the orchestra and providing free instruments, along with other resources.

“The ultimate goal is for every child in southern Dallas to have access to an instrument, lessons and performances free of charge,” says Kim Noltemy, president and CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. “Our Young Musicians program is off to a great start, and we are happy to be able to provide another location at Cedar Valley College. The Saturday classes provide a flexible way for new and existing Young Musician participants to enjoy the program.”

The Young Musicians Saturday Conservatory workshops will be held on the following consecutive Saturdays: July 27, Aug. 3, Aug. 10 and August 17. On the final day, the students will host a concert to showcase their talents.

Click here learn more about the program and here to apply for the workshops.

Fair Park Fiesta!, a Latin-themed market with food, drinks, live music, games, and a pop-up roller rink, is coming to the Fair Park Esplanade and the Automobile Building Saturday, July 20, 5:00pm to 10:30pm.

This free community event will feature a night market with local goods, live music, dance performances, lawn games, art making, and a pop-up roller rink inside the air-conditioned Automobile Building.

Skate rentals and parking at Gate 3 are free all night.

Fair Park Fiesta! is among several new initiatives in the planned transformation of Fair Park into a year-round destination.

Hundreds of families have already attended Fair Park Field Days in June and early July to enjoy hands-on art activities, a family drum circle, and a chance to Meet-A-Bug with the Texas Discovery Gardens.

The summer series of free community events welcomed more than 2,000 guests in the Dallas community to take in the natural beauty of Leonhardt Lagoon, enjoy story time, play a round of corn toss, and grab a snack from Fletcher’s Corny Dogs and Steel City Pops.

Throughout the rest of July, children of all ages will have a chance to interact with local artists, meet some critters, play a pickup game of basketball, and learn a yoga pose or two.

Fair Park Fiesta! is produced by Fair Park First—the non-profit organization created to oversee the management and stewardship of Fair Park—in partnership with Spectra, Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, and In the City for Good.

Fair Park Fiesta! is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.

Candytopia, the candy-coated pop art exhibition at The Hill, has extended the Dallas showing through Labor Day.

Candytopia is a peek inside the sweet and twisted world of famed global candy artist, Jackie Sorkin, and it was created in partnership with her co-founders, events and production design expert Zac Hartog, CEO of ZH Productions, and retail veteran John Goodman.

The local popularity of the true life candy land has been overwhelming. Since opening in April, Candytopia Dallas has seen long lines and sold out crowds.

The exhibition features the most popular attractions from previous showings, like an underwater-themed wonderland filled with candy covered sea creatures and a rainbow-filled room with flying unicorn pigs and confetti explosions.

Unique elements exclusive to the Dallas location include a candy-covered Dallas Cowboys helmet, a Big Tex sculpture and many more sweet surprises throughout.

As guests navigate from room to room, they are treated to candy samples throughout the entire experience including sours and gummies, chocolate treats, nostalgic favorites and more.

Candytopia Dallas is open Monday through Saturday 10:00am to 8:30pm and Sunday 11:00am to 8:30pm at the The Hill (8021 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 2000).

Additional tickets have been released and be available through September 2, 2019.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and the extension is expected to sell out quickly.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.