VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The Bridges Arts Council is proud to welcome back the Fargo-Moorhead Area Youth Symphony (FMAYS) for an afternoon of music, learning, and community connection on Saturday, November 16, at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts on the Valley City State University campus.

An Instrument Petting Zoo begins at 2:00 p.m., followed by a concert at 3:00 p.m. Admission is by freewill donation, and all are welcome to attend.

The Instrument Petting Zoo, sponsored by Eckroth Music, gives children and families a hands-on opportunity to explore a variety of orchestral instruments with guidance from musicians and Valley City State University students. This interactive pre-concert event encourages curiosity and helps inspire the next generation of young musicians.

Following the petting zoo, the FMAYS Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Brad Lambrecht, will perform a full concert program showcasing talented student musicians from across the region.

Founded in 1967, the Fargo-Moorhead Area Youth Symphonies provides musically gifted students in grades 6–12 an opportunity to expand their skills beyond the classroom. FMAYS includes three orchestras—Concert Strings (grades 6–8), directed by Brian Cole; Attacca Strings (grades 9–12), directed by Lindsay Schwartz Miller; and the Symphony Orchestra (grades 9–12), directed by Brad Lambrecht. Students rehearse weekly throughout the school year and perform six concerts annually, including a special side-by-side performance with the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra.

“This is always a special event for Valley City,” said Hilde van Gijssel, Bridges Arts Council board member. “It’s a chance for families to enjoy high-quality youth performances while giving local kids a chance to experience instruments up close.”

The Bridges Arts Council and Ivy Real Estate Group are proud to partner in bringing this event to the community as part of their shared commitment to supporting the arts and youth education in Barnes County and beyond.