Symphony for a Broken Orchestra

How Philadelphia Collected Sounds to Save Music

By: Amy Ignatow, Gwen Millward - illustrator

Narrated by: Tyla Collier, Robert Blackson

The schools of Philadelphia were filling up with broken violins, drums, pianos, and more, making it difficult for students to learn to play. This sparked an idea for a symphony, played entirely with the broken instruments, that would raise funds to repair the instruments themselves. Musicians young and old volunteered, and their captivating performance showed that even something broken can sing—and that great music is always possible with a bit of inventiveness and improvisation. Based on real events, this inspiring story introduces young listeners to a range of instruments as it celebrates a community coming together to make a joyful, meaningful noise.

©2022 Amy Ignatow and Gwen Millward (P)2022 Dreamscape Media