Instrument Petting Zoo

The Stearns-Cottrell Instrument Petting Zoo is an annual showcase of musical instruments for elementary school students in the region. Students are given the opportunity to try different instruments hands-on to learn how they work, how they sound, and their personal preferences so that they are prepared to select a musical instrument to learn in school. Since its founding in 2000, the Zoo has acquainted thousands of local children with instrumental music and has offered music education experiences to students at the Crane School of Music.

Established in 2000, the Instrument Petting Zoo is supported by the Stearns-Cottrell Endowment. Funded by the late-Ruth Stearns for her grandnephew Kenneth Cottrell ’91, the endowment supports the Instrument Petting Zoo, produces an accompanying concert, and provides a scholarship to an outstanding student performer in the Music Education Department. 

This school year, the zoo will be offered twice: in October 2025, and in March 2026. Each will feature a 9 am petting zoo and a 12 pm concert.

The Instrument Petting Zoo is produced by the Community Performance Series at SUNY Potsdam in coordination with the Crane School of Music.