The Civic Orchestra of Tucson introduced the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo to our community in 1995, based on a similar program in the Midwest. In the following years, many other instrumental groups in town began presenting this activity. Children get a chance to have an up-close look at various orchestral instruments and actually play these instruments under COT members’ supervision. Parents have repeatedly conveyed their surprise and pleasure after seeing their kids' obvious interest in this activity, and many have inquired into music lessons. Because of this, we developed an educational hand-out with information on where to acquire instruments and how to find a music teacher. It also includes statistics on how musical training improves students' abilities in other areas. COT musicians have brought this unique activity to schools, city-sponsored events and arts festivals (Tucson Family Arts Festival, Oro Valley Arts Festival and 4th of July celebration—preceding the TSO concerts, Reid Park Zoo), our own concerts, Borders and Bookman's stores, and the "Arts for All" summer camp, a program for children with a variety of abilities and disabilities.

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