Stories in Music™ is a collection of works for symphony orchestra and narrator designed for children ages 5 and up. These recordings are the outgrowth of years of successful concert hall programming at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC where Stephen and Bonnie produced their highly-acclaimed parent-child educational concerts with the Washington Chamber Symphony. Ever convinced that the "Peter and the Wolf" genre is one of the most successful ways to introduce people of all ages to the wonders of symphonic music, the Simons began collecting, creating, and performing works for their young concert hall audiences. Some works were created by adding narrations to well-known music, such as Dukas' Sorcerer's Apprentice; some were new music composed around well-known stories, as in Casey at the Bat and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel®; and some were just totally irresistible unknown works, such as Juanita the Spanish Lobster. At long last, these wonderful works are being made available on CD for children, parents and grandparents to enjoy together.

Each CD is a combination of music and educational information designed to give the listener ideas on what to listen for and how to listen. It is the "backstage pass" into the minds of the author and composer, the creators of the work. On the About the Story track on the Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel CD for example, the listener learns that author Virginia Lee Burton's idea for turning the steam shovel into the heating plant for the new town hall came from a 12-year old boy, and on the About the Music track the listener learns that when Stephen Simon heard the very Irish name of Mike Mulligan, he decided to compose Mike's theme for the Irish bagpipes. Each CD also includes an Audience Participation segment. In Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, the jazzy sing-along "Mike Mulligan Song" reinforces the musical theme. Because this background information helps train the ear to hear the music in a significantly different way, the CD replays the entire story in music for a second time. Following this second performance, the final track is an Accompaniment Only karaoke track, which gives everyone the opportunity to experience the joy of performing - complete with applause.

The Stories in Music™ series offers three significant benefits, including opportunities:

"To expand listening horizons."
This new series of recordings introduces young people to an orchestra's magical sounds and
awe-inspiring power, and helps them understand that music can be dramatic, can paint pictures, and is often filled with humor.

"To hone listening skills and accumulate musical memories."
The musical discussions will sharpen listening skills of children and adults alike, the discussion of the story will promote conversation about human values, and the musical work will leave each listener whistling a new tune.

"To encourage adults and children to listen to music together."
The very young will listen for the story, the slightly older child will enjoy the music, and the adult will be surprised how much he/she has learned.

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