Costumes are the order of the day for the Purdue Symphony members, the ushers and the children attending Sunday's (Oct. 28) "Creepy Classics" concert at the Long Center, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette.

This is the 10th anniversary of the free family concert sponsored by Purdue Bands & Orchestras. Since the beginning, a costume parade across the stage has been an integral part of the event.

The Long Center will be decorated for the event with costumed greeters at the doors. Costumed musicians will parade through the aisles to begin the event. "Probably the most anticipated moment of the afternoon is the traditional Halloween parade when youngsters get to show off their costumes to the crowd as they walk across the stage and pick up a treat bag from director Andrew King," says Kathy Matter, spokesperson for Purdue Bands & Orchestras.

Short works from Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Bizet and others that contain drama and explosiveness will be performed on the one-hour program designed for children as an introduction to the orchestra. They include Bizet's "Carmen Suite," the "Finale" from Stravkinsky's The Firebird and "Summer" from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

King purposefully picks out classical works that are easily accessible to audiences new to orchestra concerts. "This concert is fun because it's all about finding cool, new and interesting ways to share music with kids," he says.

The concert is sponsored by Purdue Bands & Orchestra which offers a series of jazz, concert band, orchestra and percussion events throughout the year.

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