In the whimsical world of Wisconsin, often fondly referred to as the land of cheese and dreams, a bunch of sprightly kids called the "Cheese Chords" are on a delightful mission. This jovial state, sprinkled with shimmering lakes, lush forests, bustling cities, and quaint farms, hums to the rhythm of these talented kids as they embark on their melodious journey. The Cheese Chords, each hailing from different parts of Wisconsin, are united by their passion for playing instruments. There's Sammy the Saxophone Squirrel, a curious creature with a shiny saxophone twice his size. Bessie the Banjo Badger, a witty badger who plays a banjo with strings spun from the finest Wisconsin cheese. Then there's Oliver the Oboe Otter, an otter with an oboe that echoes the enchanting tunes across the lakes of Wisconsin. And finally, we have Pippa the Piano Porcupine, with a colorful piano adorned with quills, producing tunes as sharp and sweet as her quills. These lovable characters, with their instruments in hand, or paw, hop from the farms of Fond du Lac to the ships of Sheboygan, spreading joy and music. They practice their harmonies in farm barns, under the stars, and even on floating cheese boats, with the sparkling Wisconsin rivers as their backdrop. As they strum, blow, and tap their instruments, their infectious energy and sheer love for music reverberate through the enchanting state of Wisconsin, leaving a track of giggles, foot-tapping, and pure delight. In Wisconsin, the Cheese Chords are more than just kids playing instruments; they are the heart that pumps rhythm into the state, the soul that fills it with melodies, and the jester that keeps the state smiling with their amusing antics.
Read morebest playing-instrument programs in Appleton, WI


What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.

Appelton Memorial Park is a beloved community hub for outdoor fun and recreation. It is the largest and most diverse of Appleton Parks, boasting 143 acres of lush green, playgrounds, trails, and a fishing pond. Families can make use of the seven softball diamonds, the Miracle League Field, and the Appleton Family Ice Center. The park also has a pavilion and amphitheater that can be rented out and the Scheig Center and its surrounding gardens are open to visitors. In the winter months, when there is enough snow, areas of the park are groomed for cross-country skiing and a sled hill is available for all ages. Appelton Memorial Park is the perfect place to gather with family and friends and enjoy the great outdoors.


At Appleton Rock School, we believe that music is a powerful tool for personal growth and enrichment, and that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of making music. Our goal is to help create life-long passionate musicians with an understanding of both music theory and technique. We strive to provide a creative and engaging learning environment for all of our students and are committed to delivering the highest quality music instruction.

At Heid Music, we know that music has the power to bring joy and improve the quality of life. That’s why we offer programs, videos, events and expert advice to help music lovers of all ages. We also offer music lessons at each of our five convenient locations with some of the best educators in Wisconsin. Whether you’re picking up a new instrument or looking for your forever instrument, you’ll find what you need at Heid Music. With stores in Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Stevens Point and Madison, we’re proud to be part of the community and provide the selection of band & orchestra instruments, pianos, guitars, ukuleles and more. At Heid Music, we’re committed to helping our community through music and music education. We provide programs, videos, events and expert advice to help music lovers of all ages. We also offer music lessons at each of our five locations with some of the best educators in the state. With stores located in Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Stevens Point and Madison, we’re proud to be part of the community. Whether you want to learn an instrument or find your forever instrument, Heid Music has just what you need with our wide selection of band & orchestra instruments, pianos, guitars, ukuleles and more. At Heid Music, we strive to bring happiness and help improve the quality of life through music and music education. Our programs, videos, events and instrument expertise are designed to help music lovers of all ages. We also offer music lessons at each of our five locations with some of the best educators in Wisconsin. We’re proud to be part of the community in Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Stevens Point and Madison. So come visit us and experience our selection of band & orchestra instruments, pianos, guitars, ukuleles and more!