Cookie Recipes

Music is my passion, but baking is too. Since the holidays are here I thought I would share some cookie recipes with my Kindermusik families. I'm posting them at my other blog all this week, so check it out.

Holiday Cane Cane Cookies

Kindermusik Grads Make Debuts

Living in a small community, I can keep tabs on Kindermusik graduates. This past week, three Kindermusik graduates all had debuts. Two college sophomore's gave concerts and released their first CD. A middle schooler made his opera debut. Kindermusik, a good beginning never ends!

Drew Carroll is a sophomore church music major at Shorter University. Drew began Kindermusik at the age of 18 months. He continued through about age 7, completing the Young Child curriculum. Drew continued his music experience through children and youth choir at church, plus he was in band at Model High School. During his senior year of high school he began leading worship at his home church and then other local churches. He taught himself to play guitar and began to write songs. This past weekend he released his first solo album, Beautiful Mystery. His CD contains numerous original compositions.

Lisa Anders is a sophomore at Berry College. Lisa was in Kindermusik from about ages 3 - 8. Her family moved to Columbus Georgia when Lisa about 9 years old. When Lisa was applying to colleges, she applied to Berry College. I was delighted to re-connect with her as a young adult when she returned to Rome last year. During her high school days she participated in a worship band at her church. She continues to lead worship at a local church while studying at Berry. She plays guitar, piano and writes songs. She recently released a CD entitled, Misty Pathways. She produced her own CD using MacIntosh Pro Tools at Berry. The college course taught her to use this software, and she took those skills and turned her school project into something more.

Chase Brackett is a home schooled eighth grade student. Chase began Kindermusik at the age of 18 months and continued through age 7. He began violin lessons with Maria Griffith during his elementary years. Chase currently studies violin with Mirna Ciric. Chase sings with the Spivey Tour Choir in Atlanta, conducted by Martha Shaw. He has appeared in 15 Rome Little Theatre shows. Chase also studies dance with the Dance Centre and Claddagh School of Irish Dance in Rome. Chase made his opera debut as Amahl in Gian Carlo Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors" as performed by the Rome Symphony Orchestra.

Kindermusik is a great foundation in music, and you never know where it will take your child!

Christmas parade/Kindermusik December 2

The annual Rome Christmas parade will march down Broad Street on Thursday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m. It 's a fun tradition, but it typically takes place on Tuesday. Due to the inclement weather we are experiencing today, the organizers moved it to Thursday. Ms. Wendy always plans for parade day because she teaches on Tuesday. The switch to Thursday has upset the Kindermusik apple cart! Here is the schedule for this Thursday.

Beyond Kindermusik and Kindermusik for the Young Child with Ms. Kathryn WILL MEET.

Kindermusik Village at 5:30 and Kindermusik Our Time at 6:30 with Ms. Kay WILL NOT MEET. Ms. Kay will see you next Thursday, December 9 and she will do a make-up class on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

Community Happenings & Registration Update

Books make an excellent gift! The Scholastic Book Fair will be on the Berry campus, sponsored by SGAE, the week of November 29 - December 2. The sale will be held on the 1st floor of the Cook building from 3:30 - 6 pm daily. Cash, check or debit/credit are accepted.

Directions to Cook:

• Go around the flagpole, you are going south.
• You will pass Krannert and the Cage Center (both on your left).
• Turn right onto Martha Berry Circle. The Cook building will be on the right. You will need to turn right past the Cook building to park. You will park behind Cook.

MORE happenings in Rome -

Tuesday November 30 is the annual Christmas Parade. It is held on Broad Street and begins at 6:30! Bands, floats, beauty queens and Santa!

Saturday December 4 - the Rome Symphony Concert features a Kindermusik graduate!! Chase Brackett will sing the part of Amahl in the Amahl and the Night Visitor. Chase is a homeschool student who sings with Spivey Children's Choir, and plays violin with the Oak Hill Symphony. His opera debut with the Rome Symphony will be at the City Auditorium on December 4 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are FREE for students and $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+). Purchase tickets here.

KINDERMUSIK UPDATE -

Monday 5:45 Our Time is FULL

Thursday 11:00 Imagine That is FULL

REGISTER NOW BEFORE YOUR CLASS CHOICE IS FULL. www.berrycollegekids.com, click on Kindermusik, then download & print the 2011 Spring Brochure.

Spring registration in full swing

It's hard to believe that 2010 is almost over, and 2011 is knocking on the door. Have you registered for Kindermusik classes at Berry? Classes begin the week of January 10, and they are filling quickly.

You can reserve your space for the class you desire by following these directions:

• Go to www.berrycollegekids.com
• Click on Kindermusik
• Download and print the 2011 Spring Brochure
• Mark your 1st and 2nd choice, then mail it with your deposit of $60.
• If you are currently enrolled, then mark your child's name and class choice in the memo line of your check. Drop it in the box outside the Kindermusik room.

If you pay in full by December 10, you can deduct $10 from the total!! If you only pay the deposit, the balance is due at the first class. Remember, the deposit is not an additional $60.

Have the grandparents asked what to buy your child for Christmas? Tell them Kindermusik classes!! It's the gift that last for 15 weeks plus you get great home materials!! If they want something to put under the tree, I can do that too. Tell them to email me at knobles@berry.edu for details.

Classes that are full for spring 2011:

Monday 5:45 - Our Time (18 months - 3 years) - FULL

Wednesday 9:15 - Village (newborn - 18 months) - ONE SPACE AS OF 11/16/10

Wednesday 10:15 - Our Time - TWO SPACES - 11/16/10

Check back for further updates to class closings for spring 2011.

Enroll now for Spring 2011

Yes, it's already time to think about spring 2011 Kindermusik registration. A few weeks ago you may have signed a sheet giving your intent to attend spring classes. Based on the information received, one class is being added - Thursday 4:30 p.m. Imagine That. At the end of this post is a complete class schedule for the spring semester.

Whether you signed the priority enrollment sheet or not, now is the time secure your space. Registration for currently enrolled families begins October 25. Open enrollment will begin on November 7. To reserve your space for spring semester you need to pay a deposit. Your enrollment this semester does not guarantee you a space in classes next semester.Here is are the steps to reserving your child's space:

• Pay a $60 deposit via check and put your child's name and class choice in the memo. If your address, phone or email has changed then you will need to fill out a new form. Otherwise your check will reserve your space. Abbreviations for classes are as follows: Village (V); Our Time (OT); Imagine That! (IT); Young Child (YC); Beyond (BYD). Here is an example for the memo line on your check:

OT Tues 9:30 Jack

• Here are some payment options that can save you money:

Pay in full by November 15 - $15 discount

Pay in full by December 10 - $10 discount

Sibling discounts are 10% of the total

• You can pay the deposit to reserve your space, and pay the balance by either of the early bird deadlines and still get the discounts. Remember the deposit is included in the total cost of the class. Also, ALL materials are included in the total...NO HIDDEN FEES!!!! No pictures to buy or special equipment.

• Other payment options are available, just ask me.

• If you have materials from an older sibling to use for next semester, you may take another deduction - $40 for Village, Our Time & Imagine That!

Prices for spring semester remain unchanged from the fall. The cost are as follows:

Village - $200 - Hickory, Dickory, Tickle and Bounce &, Rhythm of My Day

Our Time - $185 - Fiddle, Dee, Dee

Imagine That! - $200 - Cities

Young Child - $215 (continuing student) - $250 (new student)

Beyond - $170

Fall classes continue through the week of December 8. But make sure to put Kindermusik on the planner for the spring. Here's the spring class schedule:

Village (newborn - 18 months)

Monday 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday 9:15 a.m.

Thursday 9:30 a.m.

Thursday 5:30 p.m.

Our Time (18 months - 3 years)

Monday 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday 10:15 a.m.

Thursday 10:15 a.m.

Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Friday 9:30 a.m.

Imagine That! (3 1/2 - 5 years)

Monday 5:30 p.m.

Thursday 11:00 a.m.

Thursday 4:30 p.m. (NEW CLASS!)

Friday 10:15 a.m.

Young Child, semester 2

Tuesday 3:40 p.m.

Thursday 5:15 p.m.

Young Child, semester 4

Tuesday 4:45 p.m.

Beyond, year two

Thursday 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.

Beyond, year one

Thursday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Encourage the grandparents to give the gift of Kindermusik. It's the gift that last for 15 weeks and benefits the whole family!!!

Routines...love'm or leave'm

Children need and want structure, and in Kindermusik we are intentional in the way the class is structured. Children respond better when they know what to expect in class, that is why it is often several weeks before you notice your child "settling in" to the class. That is why we sing the same songs, do the same activities for several weeks.

Recently a Kindermusik mom was returning a book to another KM mom, and I intercepted. "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer" by Tracy Hogg is a funny, yet practical book. If you are a new mom looking to restore your household then I would recommend reading this book. The author is engaging and witty with her European take on parenting. She is big on routines and outlines her ideas using acronym's such as E.A.S.Y. (eat, activity, sleep, you) and S.L.O.W. (stop, listen, observe, what's up).

Tracy Hogg gives many examples that will parallel your baby, your feelings, and your situation. Her book goes beyond infancy though...her ideas can be applied to babies, toddlers and preschoolers. She talks about not letting your baby take over your world...you are the "mum" and you know what is best, not the baby. She discusses over stimulation being a component that makes for fussy babies. This can be said for any age...sometimes it's just best to keep it simple.

What do you think? Have you read this book? Give me your thoughts on routines in your household.

Fall Break & Fall FUN!

The Floyd County & Rome City Schools are all on fall break the week of October 3 - 8. This is one of the few breaks that both systems share, and Kindermusik families are often on one of these schedules. Therefore, Kindermusik of Berry College will NOT hold classes next week. The exception to that is Ms. Wendy's Tuesday AFTERNOON Young Child classes. Her afternoon classes will meet on October 5. This is due to a scheduling conflict later in the semester because of the Rome Christmas parade.

The Coosa Valley Fair starts on October 4, so take your extra time and go to the fair! Enjoy the exhibits, the animals and the food. Ride the rides if you dare!

The Pumpkin Patch opens at Trinity Methodist Church! It's open everyday during the month of October. Next week, when Kindermusik is observing fall break, you can visit the Pumpkin Patch at 10:45 a.m. for a special storytime. Storytime includes music at the Pumpkin Patch. Trinity is located on Turner McCall Boulevard diagonally across from Santa Fe Steak House.

Speaking of Storytime...the Rome Floyd Library has storytime every Tuesday at 10 or 11 a.m. beginning October 12. Each week is a different theme that include books, puppets and music.

We started priority enrollment this week. You teacher probably asked you to sign your name if you plan to continue in the spring semester. This is not binding, and at this point requires no monetary commitment, it is so that we can determine if we need to add new classes.

Signing the list indicates that you plan to attend classes in the spring. If you need to move up to a new class, please write MOVE UP. If you know which class you would LIKE to move to, then write that beside your name too. If you want to move to a different day you can indicate this, but it WILL NOT SAVE YOUR SPACE IN A SPECIFIC CLASS. Beginning October 18 you can pay your deposit (or in full) for the spring semester and THIS WILL GUARANTEE a specific day & time. The SIGNING of the LIST is for PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY.

Enjoy these pictures from Ms. Wendy's Wednesday Village class. They were taken by a grandpa who happens to be a fabulous photographer.

Drum play with mom

Grandma comes to Kindermusik!

They love to play the drums.

Movement time.

Rocking with mom.

Riding in a buggy, baby mine, baby mine!

It was so much fun to be at Kindermusik today!

Happy October, enjoy the cooler weather! See you the week of October 11.

Coming UP

Kindermusik classes are entering week 6. Time flies when you are having fun - fun & educational, but that is a different post.

October 3 - 8 is fall break for the county and city school systems. Because many of our families will be out of school, Kindermusik classes will NOT meet that week.

It is also fair week. Take your kids, and check out the Coosa Valley Fair. I'm not a big fan of the rides, but there is MUCH more. The children love to see the animals...cows, pigs, ducks, goats, and more. There is also the art exhibit and fun food to try.

I mentioned that our classes are in week 6. Classes are 15 weeks in length, and end the week of December 6th. Many of our fall classes are full, so to make preparation for the spring semester we need your help.

Beginning September 27 your teacher will have a list for you to sign for priority enrollment. This is not binding, and it does not require a monetary commitment...but it will allow us to see who plans to continue. There are also children who can move to the next age group. We may need to create new classes to accommodate the moves. Signing your child's name will allow us to plan properly for the spring.

Priority enrollment will continue until October 15. To secure your space for the spring semester you will need to provide a $60 deposit by November 5. Open enrollment will begin November 6. Open enrollment is for families not currently enrolled in the fall semester. Even if you sign the priority enrollment sheet your space will not be reserved unless you pay the deposit by November 5.

Meet Kathryn...more than you needed to know!

I wanted to introduce myself beyond what you see when you come to class, get in an email or a phone conversation....so here goes!

I'm Kathryn Nobles, and I grew up on a farm in North Central Florida. I started piano when I was 7, and clarinet when I was 10. I began playing piano at my church when I was about 12. Music has always been a part of my life. As a child, I recall my Dad walking to the barn to milk the cows, and he was always singing or humming a hymn. Dad wasn't the best singer but he made a joyful noise. He recently retired his choir robe at the age of 87! Literally he was in the church choir until the past month.

I came to Rome in 1978 to attend Berry College. I met my husband Randy on the first day...though we didn't start dating for a few weeks! We married before my senior year in college, as he had secured a job as a teacher at West Rome Junior High (the current West Rome WalMart location). Randy has taught in the city schools for 30 years, and promises to continue teaching 8th grade until Kate finishes middle school. We love Rome and the community. We are active members at Calvary Baptist Church. I have held many positions over the years... Sunday School teacher, children's choir director, pianist and currently I direct the adult choir.

I have been an adjunct at Berry since 1986. I teaching piano classes, private piano and accompanying vocal and instrumental students. I love working with the college music majors, as well as the flexibility and challenge it provides.

Through the encouragement of my college piano teacher I received training and started the Kindermusik program in 1989. Kindermusik can be found in countries around the world, and is the leading music and movement program for children. I started with 9 students in the Young Child program, as that was the only curriculum offered at the time. The program continues to be a thriving part of the Berry campus where over 175 families enjoy music each week.

This post is also going to give you on an inside look at the Nobles family. Here's the family Christmas photo...Aaron, 22; Kathryn & Randy (married 29 years), Carrie, 16; Kate, 11; Alyssa, 20.

I began teaching piano in 1980, and I have taught several families that include the 2nd generation. I even have one family where I taught the mom, and currently I teach her daughter and her dad!! With the exception of my 72 year old student, all my piano students were once Kindermusik students, because a "good beginning never ends."

Emily and AJ graduated this year after being Kindermusik students and piano students since they were very young. I remember watching AJ at age 18 months, and thinking how music was in his bones! He is currently majoring in music at Berry. He & Emily also play the french horn. Kindermusik graduates gravitate to oboe, french horn and percussion. The first two require a good ear, the latter a strong sense of rhythm. Kindermusik does that!

Kate is my swimmer. She swims with Three Rivers Swim Club. Here is Kate and three friends at Auburn swim camp. Three of the four girls were Kindermusik kids. I see a lot of former Kindermusik students at the pool. There is rhythm in music and rhythm in swimming.
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Our family loves the National Parks. We enjoy day hikes in the beautiful park system. We have taken 5 different National Parks trips. You can read more about those at my other blog.

Randy & me at Zion National Park, Utah.

On top of Sentinel Dome, Yosemite National Park, California.

Mom & the girls on the northern California coast. Great tide pools to explore here!

We love Chick-fil-A! Everyone knows the CFA cow, but do you know Doodles? He was the first mascot at the Dwarf house. My oldest two have worked for Chick-fil-A, and we are strong supporters of the Cathy empire. Truett Cathy does more than sell great tasting chicken. Alyssa is in the Winshape College program at Berry, which provides her with a scholarship and leadership opportunities.

We love cats. Over the years we have had many cats. Here are the current kitties....Rowdy & Charlie.

Band - our family loves the band. I played clarinet in high school and college. I was a piano major, but always participated in the band. My children are fortunate to be a part of the Sound of the Seven Hills at Rome High. They have all had Wade Williams (Ms. Wendy's husband) in middle school band. All the kids played different instruments. Aaron played the tuba. Alyssa was in the percussion section & marched 2nd bass during marching season. Carrie plays the trumpet in the RHS band. She is my true musician! Kate started 6th grade band this year and is learning to play the trombone in addition to her piano studies. Yes, I have taught all my kids piano,but Kate and Carrie are the only ones that continue to play.

We love college students.!College students have been a part of the Nobles family since the mid-80's. We enjoy having them in our home, and watching them mature during the college journey. It's hard to say good-bye when they graduate, but they come back and bring their children. It's the circle of life. Our family has been blessed with great role models for our children. Young adults have invested in our children's lives, and we are grateful. My husband & I lead the college class at our church, which gives us a chance to invest in their spiritual growth. Another thing I love about college students - they enjoy a home cooked meal. This means there are usually extras at the Sunday dinner table.

Four children...all of them did Kindermusik. They enjoy a variety of styles of music & are all great kids. It's tremendous blessing to watch them grow up, and see where God is going to take them. Having teens & young adults brings a different challenge than when they were young. Babies keep you up at night...so do teens, but for different reasons. It's an adventure being a parent of four very unique children, but I'm glad for the opportunity.

It's hard to get them all together, because they go in so many different directions. Our tradition is to take a picture at Easter, before they shed their Sunday clothes!

Weddings are another occasion when I can snap a picture.

Family, church and music take the top spots in my life, but in my spare time I love to read and bake!

I hope you enjoyed reading this personal saga.

See you at Kindermusik!

Repetition, repetition, repetition

How many times has your child said "again, again, again"? Do they bring you the same book several times a day? Do they want to listen to the same song over & over? Repetition is reassuring to a child. There is security in sameness. Even adults appreciate knowing what to expect. You go to the same restaurant, store, or vacation spot because you are comfortable there. You know what to expect.

This week begins our 3rd week of Kindermusik classes, and you have probably noticed that we have done the same activities for several weeks in a row. Adults may tire of the same activity, but by repeating the activities the children become comfortable, and begin to participate. In the January 2004 Parents magazine Susan Brody had the following things to say about repetition:

• Repetition fuels your toddler's memory, confidence, motor skills and understanding of the world.
• Repetition helps a child feel good about herself because it reminds her of what she can do.
• Repetition is one way the toddler can exert some control over his environment. This sense of power is extremely gratifying for someone with such limited control over the big world around her.

We will play the bells, the sticks, the drums and sing the same song again, but it is good for your child's brain. Repetition helps prevent brain overload. It's as though the time your child spends repeating familiar tasks allow his brain to take a mini-vacation. Once he's done relaxing, his brain is ready to focus on new learning!

Take the repetition one step further...do the activity again, but with a twist! Change a word, move in a different direction, add a Kindermusik song to an activity at home or in the car.

Fall classes coming soon, several are FULL

Don't miss out on Kindermusik this fall, it's fun for the whole family. I will be ordering home materials this week, so register now to make sure I have materials for your child on the first day. CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF AUGUST 16!

The following classes are full:

Village - Wednesday 9:15

Our Time - Monday 5:45

Our Time - Thursday 6:30

Imagine That - Monday 5:30

Imagine That - Friday 10:15

All other classes have space available, though some are almost full. You may have called or emailed, but if I haven't received your registration then you are not officially enrolled in the class.

Have you received an email confirmation about the class you chose? If you have not gotten an email from me, but you have sent in your registration please contact me!!!

If you haven't decided to enroll, here are some benefits for you to consider:

• Introduce a variety of music to your child - classical, folk, multi-cultural, jazz & more.
  
• Enjoy a special time with your child making music....no emails to answer, no laundry to do, no calls to take. Just time to focus on your child.
  
• Meet new friends that have children of the same age.
• Enjoy the beauty of the Berry College campus on a weekly basis. Come explore all Berry has to offer!
• Get updates through the blog about events at Berry and in the Rome community.

Kindermusik is about teaching music and a love for music, but we are much more. Kindermusik of Berry College is a resource for families to learn & grow!

Fall Classes & Library Fun!

Are you considering Kindermusik classes at Berry College this fall? Check out our schedule, and then send in your registration to secure your class. Classes are filling rapidly. Here is a list of classes are already full or have only 1 or 2 spaces remaining:

Village (newborn - 18 months) - Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. (FULL)

Our Time (ages 18 months - 3 years) - Monday at 5:45 p.m. (FULL)

Our Time - Friday at 9:30 a.m. (2 spaces remain)

Imagine That (ages 3 1/2 - 5 years)- Monday at 5:30 p.m. (2 spaces remain)

Imagine That - Friday at 10:15 a.m. (FULL)

At the time of this post, all other classes have 3 or more spaces available. To register, send in your $60 deposit to secure your space and pay the balance at the first class OR send an email to knobles@berry.edu to ask about other payment options.


The Rome Floyd Library has a wonderful children's department, and they host numerous programs throughout the year. The summer reading program encourages reading, and provides activities for further learning. Kindermusik of Berry College is a frequent guest at the library. Today Kathryn Nobles & her assistant (daughter) Kate led a room full of families in singing, dancing & playing instruments. Here are some pictures taken by David Evans of the library staff.

Reading a story at the library - Pete & PJ, a Kindermusik favorite.

Twirling to the music.



Dancing with a friend with a little help from the moms!



Swaying & rocking to the music.


Kindermusik provides weekly fun for your family & great materials to enjoy the music all week long. Join us this fall, classes begin the week of August 16.

Summer Fun!

Kindermusik of Berry College summer classes include a variety of ages and learning.

Journeys is an introduction to piano and recorder skills. Children ages 6 - 8 year olds participate in this class and also enjoy ensemble with instruments, singing and movement.

Here is Jack practicing a song on the keyboard in the Yamaha Clavinova lab.

Classes for ages 4 - 6 are studying music from Latin America. Here is a group wearing their serapes. They loved dancing the Mexican Hat Dance!

Clara & Webb posing with a maraca.

Each day the children enjoyed a snack from a Latin American country. The papaya was not a favorite, but they did enjoy the bananas & mango.

A study of Latin America would not be complete without a fiesta and breaking a pinata. Here is Ms. Kay's class gathering the candy.

The children here are singing and playing a song called "Sweetly Sings the Donkey."

Drums are always fun to play, especially with friends!

Crafts & coloring pages were a part of each day's activities.

Mary Blair & Cate paint their butterflies.

The younger children enjoy music with their adults: mom, dad, grandma, or a nanny. Here are several pictures from Kindermusik Village.

Summer classes end the week of July 12, so now is the time to register for the fall semester. Fall semester begins in mid-August, and if you pay in full by July 15 you can deduct $10 from the tuition. Click here for a fall registration form.