New Musical Instruments Spark Creativity Through Donor Support

The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum in California has expanded its hands‑on learning experiences with the addition of two new outdoor musical instruments, now proudly installed at the museum’s front entrance.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, a pair of Conga Drums and a set of Soprano Pentatonic Freechimes have been added to the museum’s musical library, inviting guests of all ages to explore sound, rhythm, and creativity from the moment they arrive.

From Budding Scientists to Aspiring Musicians

Known for nurturing young scientists, engineers, and curious problem‑solvers, the Discovery Museum is now also encouraging musicians in the making. The addition of musical instruments offers an inclusive, open‑ended play experience that complements the museum’s existing STEAM‑focused exhibits.

Situated at the front entrance, the instruments encourage spontaneous interaction and shared discovery, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to learning through play.

Supporting Child Development Through Musical Play

Museum Executive Director Nancy Gastelum highlighted the importance of music to child development in a press release following the installation.

“We’re so excited to offer more hands‑on opportunities for children to play and learn about music,” she said. “Music supports children’s all‑around development and helps shape their skills in concentration, memory, and listening.”

She added that free‑play environments - where there are no wrong notes - give children the confidence to explore creatively, often sparking a lifelong love of music and music‑making.

Why Outdoor Musical Instruments Were the Right Choice

When asked how the museum discovered Percussion Play and why outdoor musical instruments were chosen for the new exhibit, Nancy explained that the decision was driven by careful research, budget considerations, and first‑hand observation.

“My exhibits director found your site through an internet search,” Nancy shared, “and after evaluating what you had and what similar companies offered, she felt your quality and price would work within our environment and budget.”

The project was supported by a $3,000 donation from a private donor who specifically wanted to fund a musical instrument exhibit. Nancy recalled being inspired by outdoor chimes she had seen in a pedestrian shopping area in Fort Collins, Colorado.

“Children were very engaged, and as I sat and watched people come and go, I noticed people of all ages enjoying them,” she said. “We have a very small outdoor area near our front entrance, and I felt the drums and chimes would lend themselves perfectly to the space, offering families a fun and simple way to explore music together.”

A Community Investment That’s Music to Everyone’s Ears

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Children are drawn to the instruments, families linger longer, and the donor is delighted with the outcome.

“We were very excited to receive the instruments, and our donor is thrilled that we chose the chimes and the conga drums,” Nancy added. “The children are loving them, and we are very happy with them.”

The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is the only children’s museum in Northern Santa Barbara County. Its 13,000‑square‑foot facility features hands‑on exhibits, weekly programs, and special events that inspire learning, creativity, and discovery for children and families throughout the region.