The Akron Symphony Orchestra’s popular Concerts for Kids series returns in May with Tubby the Tuba at select locations throughout Northeast Ohio. These 45-minute performances are geared toward children ages 2-6 and feature live music by the Akron Symphony Orchestra and conductor Eric Benjamin.

Tubby the Tuba tells the tale of Tubby, a tuba who longs to have a bigger role in the orchestra. After being laughed at by his fellow instruments — including a piccolo who informs Tubby that composers, “never write melodies for tubas. It just isn’t done!” – a dejected Tubby retreats to a riverbank, where he meets a musically inclined, deep-voiced bullfrog.

The frog starts to hum, sharing with Tubby a most original and memorable tune. Soon, Tubby is playing along, convinced that he has found exactly what he needs. Tubby returns to his orchestra the next day, impresses the visiting conductor and wins over his fellow instruments, who all join Tubby in a symphony built around his tune.

The performance will be highlighted by Ken Heinlein, ASO’s principal tuba in the role of Tubby, with narration by Dennis O’Connell of The Magical Theatre Company.