How Do You Get To 'Sesame Street'? Practice, Practice, Practice

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The "stupendous" pairing of Elmo and Gustavo Dudamel on 'Sesame Street' this week.

Courtesy of Sesame Street

The "stupendous" pairing of Elmo and Gustavo Dudamel on 'Sesame Street' this week.

Courtesy of Sesame Street

Appearing on Sesame Street is a rite of passage for many celebrities. Speaking as a parent of a young child myself — and as someone who was part of the first generation to grow up on Big Bird, the Count, Oscar the Grouch and the rest of the pre-Elmo gang — I still enjoy seeing who shows up, from the band OK Go outfitted in totally and charmingly awkward primary colors to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor attempting, only semi-successfully, to enjoy a quiet cafecito with Maria near Mr. Hooper's store.

This past week, the red-hot conductor Gustavo Dudamel joined Elmo to explain the word "stupendous," and it brought me right back to years of seeing classical musicians making very sweet guest turns on the show, like when Seiji Ozawa accompanied "Placido Flamingo" and Philip Glass contributed music for animation. I've pulled up a few of my favorite clips from over the years.