Join us for Once Upon An Orchestra! This free, public family concert series invites multigenerational families to join Louisville Orchestra ensembles for fun, interactive storytelling through music performances at every library branch across Metro Louisville. Prior to each performance, LO staff will lead a craft activity using recycled materials – and audience members can play their homemade instruments during the show! No RSVP is required, and reading the book before attending is always encouraged but not necessary! This program is in partnership with the Louisville Orchestra, the Louisville Free Public Library, and Ford Motor Company.
The musically enhanced storytelling leans into one of the key programs of the LFPL, the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge. This Library program encourages all families and caregivers to read at least 1000 books with their preschool-age children to build the vocabulary and language skills needed for success in school.
Since its launch, Once Upon an Orchestra has become one of the city’s most impactful arts education initiatives, drawing nearly 2,000 participants each year. For many children, these performances offer a first encounter with live classical music. Each event pairs a read-aloud of a children’s book with a custom score performed by Louisville Orchestra musicians—offering a playful, accessible introduction to both music and literacy.
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The award-winning If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, is one of the most beloved children’s books of all time and has been reimagined as part of the LO’s Once Upon An Orchestra series. This interpretation told by a woodwind quintet which features a clarinet, oboe, flute, bassoon and french horn is lively, upbeat and fun for the whole family. Score arranged/composed by 2023-24 LO Creators Corps composer, Alex Berko.
Activity: Cookie Shaker
While bear slumbers through a long winter, his friends take refuge in his cave during a winter storm. Bear remains in a deep sleep while animal friends start a fire, make tea, pop corn, sing, and dance. When he finally wakes up, he’s surprised to find his cave full of uninvited guests who’ve been having a party without him! Told by a bass and cello, you will be sure to hear deep snoring sounds throughout the story. Score arranged/composed by 2023-24 LO Creators Corps composer, Tanner Porter.
Activity: Snore Straw
A violin and viola reimagine the famous story of that very hungry caterpillar. With interactive elements throughout the story, the youngest members of the audience will make music as we watch the caterpillar transform into a beautiful butterfly. If there is time, the audience can help create the story of the butterfly! Score arranged/composed by 2022-23 LO Creators Corps composer, TJ Cole.
Activity: Caterpillar Shaker
Waddle into the heartwarming story of two penguins who have built a family against the odds. Through the expressive sounds of a string trio, young audiences will experience a celebration of love, acceptance, and belonging. As this musical story time of two penguins and their chick invites children and families to reflect on what makes a family, and why every kind deserves to be celebrated. Score arranged/composed by 2024-25 LO Creator Corps Alum, Baldwin Giang.
Activity: Tango Shaker
With heart, hope, and plenty of rhythm, Fly tells the story of Africa, a young girl with a big dream to join her school’s Double Dutch team. As she practices, stumbles, and soars, a vibrant string quartet mirrors her through music that leaps, dances, and glides. Perfect for families and young listeners, this story champions confidence, perseverance, and the joy of discovering your own rhythm. Score arranged/composed by 2024-25 LO Creator Corps Alum, Brittany J. Green.
Activity: Fly Flute
TJ Cole was a creator during our 2022-2023 season. During their time with us they composed scores for The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Llama Destroys The World, and Bunny's Book Club for string quartets, woodwind quintets, and a violin and viola duo.
Tanner Porter was a creator during our 2023-2024 season. During her time with us she composed the Bear Snores On for a bass and cello.
Alex Berko was a creator during our 2023-2024 season. During his time with us he composed the beloved children's book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie for a woodwind quintet which features clarinet, oboe, flute, bassoon and french horn.
Baldwin Giang was a creator during our 2024-2025 season. During their time with us they composed the score for And Tango Makes Three for a string trio and many more.
Brittany J. Green was a creator during our 2024-2025 season. During their time with us they composed the score for Fly by Louisville local, Brittany Thurman, for a string quartet.
Launched in the 2022-23 season, the Creators Corps is the first program where composers fully integrate into the life of an orchestra and its city.
We’re excited to share that Ford Motor Company has invested $50,000 to support Once Upon an Orchestra, our free family-focused music and storytelling series presented in partnership with the Louisville Free Public Library. This sponsorship marks a meaningful new collaboration between Ford and the two local institutions, focused on creating joyful, educational experiences for young audiences across Louisville and throughout the Commonwealth.
“The Louisville Free Public Library is proud to again be a presenting partner of Once Upon an Orchestra – bringing music, books, and creativity together in a truly engaging way for children and families,” said Library Interim Executive Director Barbara Sexton Smith. “Thanks to investments from Ford, the Library Foundation, and Metro Government, we are able to bring these experiences to every library location to help foster a love of reading and the arts across our community.”
Ford’s investment not only sustains and expands the core library-based program, but also enables Once Upon an Orchestra to reach beyond the library walls. The support will aid the program’s continued growth and deepens its connection to local families by helping the Orchestra bring special performances to community centers and other public spaces throughout the region and during our In Harmony Tour. In the coming season, the Orchestra will bring special performances to local community centers and additional public venues, further expanding access to families citywide. Educational materials from the program will also be shared through the Library’s network and with Ford’s community partners to deepen long-term impact.
“This partnership with Ford will help the Louisville Orchestra do what we do best, bring meaningful joyful music experiences to the community,” said Teddy Abrams, Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra. “Together with the Louisville Free Public Library, we’re building bridges through Once Upon An Orchestra. Ford’s involvement helps create welcoming spaces where children can discover music, stories, and creativity at no cost to their families.”
Ford’s support for the program was inspired by Abrams’ vision of community-centered musicmaking and the Orchestra’s ongoing commitment to education and equitable access. The investment is part of Ford’s broader mission to make a lasting, positive impact in the communities where its employees live and work.
“At Ford, we believe in building stronger communities, and this partnership with the Louisville Orchestra and Louisville Free Public Library allows us to give back in a meaningful way,” said Gabby Bruno, Community Relations Director . “Once Upon an Orchestra is a perfect example of how music and literacy can unite families, strengthen neighborhoods, and create meaningful shared experiences that also matter to our 12,000 employees and their families in the region.”
For more information about school partnerships, family engagement, and community programs, please contact:
Sarah Lempke O'Hare | Director of Strategic Partnerships
502-585-9424 or sohare@louisvilleorchestra.org