Free Family Concert: Clap, Clap, Stomp! (Sensory-Friendly Performance)
The NHSO’s Free Family Series features exciting programs designed to delight children ages 3-8 and their families. These free, interactive concerts will take place at kid-friendly venues across southern Connecticut, creating a magical introduction to live music, storytelling, and education for young audiences.
“Clap, Clap, Stomp!” will feature lively concerts by fiddler Austin Scelzo and vocalist Charlie Widmer from the Bluegrass band On The Trail. They will also include banjo soloist as well as NHSO musician Sam Bobinski on bass. Entering the world of Bluegrass, kids will dance along to upbeat songs and explore the music and scenery of Appalachia with eye-catching visuals.
This performance will be adapted for audience members with sensory processing disorders and Autism. Audience members will be able to take advantage of the specially designed space within the school, use gross motor equipment to self-regulate, make use of complimentary ear protectors and fidgets, and take breaks as needed. The lighting will be dimmed, and the musicians will play at a reduced volume. For questions about accommodations offered at the sensory-friendly performances, please email Education@NewHavenSymphony.org.
There is no registration required for this event. We will see you there!
About the Guest Artists
In 2023 fiddler Austin Scelzo was named Connecticut Arts Hero by the state of Connecticut. Most recently, he won the 2025 Momentum Industry Involvement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association. His Bluegrass journey began with the Western CT based group the “Angry O’Haras,” then later “On the Trail,” with which he recorded fiddle and vocals. He also performs and records with the “Rock Hearts,” a traditional Bluegrass group. In addition, he teaches Wernick Method Jam classes and launched the Connecticut Bluegrass Music Association.
Charlie Widmer is a multi-genre singer, songwriter, actor, guitarist, arranger, and producer based in Connecticut. He received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Western Connecticut State University in 2016. That same year he sang on television in Switzerland’s version of AGT, Die grössten Schweizer Talente. His singing credits include performances with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Opera Theater of Connecticut, and many others in both musical theater and opera alike. He is also lead singer in “Sub-Urban” and a singer/guitarist in “On the Trail.” He is currently represented for theater, television and film by Professional Artists Agency in NYC.
The Family Concerts are sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts and the Elizabeth Carse Foundation.
