Fall break & a fun video

Kindermusik classes will NOT meet the week of October 3 - 7.  The Coosa Valley Fair happens the week of October 4 - 8, so you may want to make a visit to see the animals & other exhibits. Classes WILL meet during Berry's fall break of October 10 -11, so no parking problems those two days.  

Our Time classes have been enjoying Lukey's Boat. Lots of giggles as we stop our movement on AHA, me boys!  Here is a classic version of the song by a group called Great Big Sea out of Newfoundland.  Enjoy this version complete with lots of Celtic instrumentation - penny whistle, bodhran & fiddles.  This is a new band for me, but I will definitely be adding their music to my playlist!  Hope you enjoy them too.

A Good Beginning Never Ends

Research says that pre-natal care is important to have a healthy child. Teaching children good nutrition & hygiene at an early age is beneficial to their growth and development. Children involved in music from a young age have the foundation they need to make great musicians.   Here's my latest story about a Kindermusik kid.

Tonight I went to a concert at Berry College. The first of the 2011-2012 concert series featured Toby Oft, the principal trombonist from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  That is a prestigious position, and Mr. Oft is only 35 years old.  The concert was well attended, primarily by college students obtaining credit for a music class.  I took my 12 year old, Kate, who is in her 2nd year of playing the trombone.  I wanted her see and hear one of the best trombonist in the country.

The concert was wonderful. The second movement of the first piece was so lyrical, and he played with such a  lush tone. I was truly mesmerized.  His accompanist, Ling Leng, from the New England Conservatory played with such ease & precision. It was, perhaps, the best concert I have attended in many years.

Kate & I spoke with both performers as we left the auditorium.  There were numerous students waiting to speak to Mr. Oft,  get his autograph & a picture with him.  As I was about to leave, I hear a little voice say "Ms. Kathryn". I turn and see this cute fellow smiling at me, and he says "I'm Max."   It was a child I taught in Kindermusik.  He & Kate were in the same classes (of course she didn't remember him).  Max lives in Trion, and plays the trombone.  He had come to Berry this past summer for the Encore Music Camp, and now he was back for this wonderful concert.  I was delighted to see him, and asked about his family.  I'm so glad he remembered me, and thought enough to speak to me before I rushed out.

Max has great parents, who are responsible for all he is becoming.  They made the decision  that music would be an important part of his life.  They made the trip to Rome for Kindermusik on a weekly basis for many years.  All those years of listening and learning music as a youngster has Max primed to be a great musician. Even if Max doesn't continue studying music past high school, he will be a friend of the arts, and a knowledgeable audience member. Remember, a good beginning never ends!

Kindermusik Kids on Stage at RLT

Charlotte's Web is a favorite story of friendship. You can see a wonderful production at the Rome Little Theater this weekend. The shows are Friday & Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 2:30 pm at the historic DeSoto Theater on Broad Street.

I went to see the show on opening night, and was pleasantly surprised to find FIFTEEN, yes 15, Kindermusik kids in the show. They ranged from having the lead role of Charlotte to being a fair goer or baby spider. Not all the roles in the show had speaking parts, but 9 of the Kindermusik kids did!

I recall several children that were shy when they came to Kindermusik. Not anymore, they are actors on a live stage. The have gained poise, confidence, and endurance When the show closes on Sunday, they will have logged many hours of rehearsal, plus 11 shows.

Though this wasn't a musical, there are many things that transfer from the Kindermusik class to the stage. Here are a few:

taking turns - waiting to take the stage

listening skills - listening for when to say your line

movement activities - moving on & off stage in an appropriate way

vocal production - speaking with clarity & volume

imaginative play - turns into a character

The show is approximately 2 hours, and is great for children. They love the animals & fun costumes. The tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors; tickets are $1 more the day of the show.

To all the KM kids in Charlotte - you did a great job, I'm so proud of all of you!!