The most important thing a listener can learn from "Mary" is about the infinite variations that can be created out of a small idea. "Variations? That's nice. What's a variation?" says a 5-year-old. The Introduction To The Probably Untrue Story of Mary (who) Had A Little Lamb (speech & music) answers that question by beginning with very concrete examples (a variation on breakfast is cereal with orange juice and a glass of milk on the side!) and progressing to word variations and finally, musical variations. In addition to a child's introduction to musical variations, this 13-minute demonstration gives almost everyone in the orchestra a chance to shine, making musical introductions that will last a lifetime. By the time the Introduction is finished, children will be primed and ready for "Mary". The Introduction is optional, but highly recommended to precede performances of "Mary".