Relaxed Experiences Series at the VSO School of Music

The VSO School of Music is thrilled to invite you to our Relaxed Experiences Series – a series of events that go beyond a concert. These events are a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone, especially for those who may benefit from a more flexible concert setting. Open to audiences of all ages, including neurodiverse individuals, people with sensory sensitivities, and families with young children, we invite you to experience music in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere.

By removing barriers and reducing performance formalities, Relaxed Experiences celebrate music as a shared joy, ensuring that everyone feels welcome to connect, listen, and participate in their own way.

Each Relaxed Experience includes:

• A Sensory Exploration Room where participants can engage in hands-on activities before or during the concert
• A Relaxed Concert featuring live music performed by small ensembles of 2 to 5 musicians in Pyatt Hall. Audience members are welcome to move around, make noise, or step in and out as needed, creating a comfortable and flexible concert experience.
• A Quiet Room set up with low lighting and minimal stimulation, providing a calm space for anyone who needs a break

Event Schedule

• 10:00 AM – Sensory Room (Willms Salon): Interactive space with mats and instruments
• 10:00 AM – Quiet Room (Dressing Room): A calm, low-light area for relaxation and reduced stimulation
• 10:45 AM – Pyatt Hall doors open
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Performance in Pyatt Hall

Wednesday June 24, 2026

All Percussion performance with Vern Griffiths (VSO School of Music Faculty & VSO Principal Percussion), Aaron McDonald (VSO School of Music Faculty & VSO Principal Timpanist), Zach Masri (VSO School of Music Faculty & VSO Assistant Principal Timpani/Section Percussion), and Julia Chien (VSO School of Music Faculty)

Includes music by Bach, Taylor Swift, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Khachaturian, Bruno Mars, and traditional marimba music from Zimbabwe and Mexico.