The Syracuse Symphony is still working at hitting its fundraising goals to keep playing, and says the music will continue at least through this month.
Besides classics concerts, that includes the orchestra's outreach to young people, which Ed Kochian says has a benefit far greater than just listening to music.  Kochian is the former deputy Onondaga County Executive who was the Symphony's interim director and now has 'Special Advisor' status for the orchestra.  He says the music, besides being entertaining for children and families, and a great introduction to classical music,  also increases cognitive abilities, increasing 'intelligence' in non musical areas.  Music lessons, he says, can also increase development in other academic areas.
Kochian points to the Symphony's Family Series, which on a Saturday morning offers a child-friendly concert, but starts with an 'instrument petting zoo' where family members can see, and often play, different instruments from the orchestra, along with a free breakfast. 
The next event, 'It's Instrumental', is Saturday, March 12th at Syracuse's Mulroy Civic Center.  The concert's at 10:30, with the petting zoo opening at 9:30am.   www.SyracuseSymphony.org has more information.
You can also read the 'Music and Cognitive Abilities' study