Navigating a Tragedy

The news from Newtown Connecticut has stirred many emotions in me over the past several days.  Because I have children, teach children, and love families this has been a difficult matter to comprehend.  I avoided watching television, and honestly didn't want to talk about it for the first 24 hours.  I suppose that would be denial.

Since I don't watch much television, I get most of my news via Twitter accounts that I follow.  That may seem odd, but that allows me to choose what I read.  We live in the informational (overload) age, so I decided to pass along a few of my favorite links concerning this horrific event.

3 short stories about the heroic events of teachers at Sandy Hook
http://theapproach.org/?p=1457//teachers

Reflections on the tragedy by a recent Berry College graduate that is a children's minister
http://alexsanford.blogspot.com/2012/12/we-were-only-asked-to-love-to-offer.html

Helping children cope with their fears, but one of my favorite bloggers.
http://www.ronedmondson.com/2012/12/7-ways-to-help-children-cope-with-fear.html

What NOT to say, and what TO say to those dealing with grief
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-emily-c-heath/dealing-with-grief-five-t_b_2303910.html?utm_hp_ref=religion

I hope you will find comfort and encouragement through these posts.

Annie Moses Band in Calhoun!!!

        

The Annie Moses Band is a Christian family of Julliard-trained musicians and award-winning songwriters dedicated to virtuosity in the arts. Led by lead singer/violinist, Annie Wolaver, the Band includes her five siblings: Alex, viola; Benjamin, cello; Camille, harp/keyboard; Gretchen, violin/mandolin; and Jeremiah, guitar and banjo. Add the veteran songwriting talents of their parents, Bill and Robin Wolaver, and you have a dynamic group with roots in classical, pop, and jazz. Together, they are leading an artistic renaissance in the Church through musical excellence, strength of family, and a message of faith, inspiring all generations to join in the discipline, beauty, and excitement of highly skilled musicianship.

This exciting group will be in Calhoun Georgia on Monday December 3.  Call 706-625-3132 for tickets or information!!

         

Details for the end of the semester

Fall semester 2012 is quickly coming to a close, and here are things for you to remember:

Thanksgiving week - the only classes that meet during the week of November 19 are the MONDAY classes.  No other classes will meet during the week of Thanksgiving.

The week of December 3 is the last week of classes for the fall semester, UNLESS your teacher has a make-up class scheduled.

We hope you are continuing Kindermusik in January!  Classes are filling quickly, and your spot is not reserved without a deposit ($60) or payment in full.  If you pay in full by December 1, you can deduct $15!!!  

Kindermusik makes a GREAT gift, so tell the grandparents that you don't need another toy.  Let them give a gift that you can enjoy for months to come!  We can even give them a gift certificate to put under the tree!

Spring semester begins the week of January 14. To see a brochure with a list of classes go here.


Rome Christmas parade is on Broad Street on Tuesday November 27 at 6:30 p.m.  It's great way to start the holiday season!

Questions?  Email knobles@berry.edu

Meet the Author!

On Saturday, children and their families waited patiently to meet the author and illustrator of the new children's book, Martin the Guitar.  The living room of the Berry College Alumni Center was the perfect location to hear the story and music. Harry Musselwhite engaged the audience with the tale he wrote about a little guitar named Martin.  As the story progressed he introduced three instruments found in the book: guitar, mandolin and the violin.  

Harry, the storyteller

An added bonus was to see the original drawings for the book. Brian Barr talked with the children about how he gave life to the story through the pictures.  The originals were vibrant and detailed, which doesn't always translate into the printed version.

Illustrations from the book

Brian Barr, illustrator

Harry with Martin the Guitar

Good listeners!

Mr. Musselwhite talked about how music can make us feel, and how it gives personality to characters in a story.  He played the music of Martin, which was sweet and lyrical. Then using the same guitar he contrasted the song of Martin with the upbeat, rough sounds of Mr. D, another character in the book.  With a smaller string instrument called a mandolin, the children heard the laughing, mocking sounds of Loar.  The children moved to the music of the various characters, and were able to practice their listening skills.

Harry and Loar, the mandolin

Entertaining the family!

After the story and music, Mr. Musselwhite and Mr. Barr answered questions and autographed copies of the book for those in attendance.

Personalized Copy

Waiting for an autograph

Kaleb holds his new book and waits to have it signed

Harry and Brian greeting the children

Sophie and Eleanor

You can still pick up a copy of the book when you come to Kindermusik, and Mr. M is just down the hall if you want him to autograph it!

Book Signing and Spring Registration

Saturday October 20 from 10 - 11 a.m. is the book signing for Martin the Guitar.  This event will be held in the Alumni Center Living Room on 1st floor of the Ford Building.  The author, Harry Musselwhite, will read the book, sign copies, and play music for those in attendance.  There is a limited number of books available for $20. Cash and checks are accepted.   To reserve your copy email Kathryn Nobles at knobles@berry.edu. Click here to learn more about the book.

Priority Enrollment for Spring Semester

1.    All classes are open to current families from October 15 – 31.  Open enrollment will begin on November 1.

2.   To reserve your space for spring semester you need to pay a deposit.  Just because you are currently enrolled does not guarantee your space for next semester.  Use the drop box for deposits and payments.  Unless your address, phone or email has changed you do not need to fill out a form, just see #3.

3.    Make checks payable to Berry College and write your class choice and child’s name in the memo portion of your check.

Example: OT Tues. 9:30 Jack

Abbreviations for classes are as follows:  Village (V);  Our Time (OT); Imagine That! (IT);  Young Child (YC);  Beyond (BYD); Family Time (FT).

4.    Payment options:                                                                                    

    $60 deposit with balance due at first class in January.                 

     Pay in full by December 1 – receive $15 discount.

Other payment options are available, just ask.

5.    Sibling discounts are 10% of the total.  Deduct sibling discount before early bird discounts.

6.     If you have home materials from an older sibling to use this semester, you may take another deduction of $40 for Village, Our Time & Imagine That! $15 for Young Child.

7.    If you are enrolling more than 2 children, you will need to check with Kathryn about further discounts.

8.  Kindermusik classes continue through the week of December 3 

The only classes that meet the week of Thanksgiving are Monday classes.

If you have questions about a particular class and your child please talk with your teacher.  If you are trying to decide if your child should move to the next level, ask for a handout from your teacher.

PRICES FOR KINDERMUSIK CLASSES

Village - $210– The Rhythm of My Day; Hickory, Dickory, Tickle & Bounce

Our Time - $195  - Fiddle Dee Dee

Imagine That! - $210  - Cities!

Young Child - $220 (continuing student)-$245 (new student)

Beyond - $178

CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF JANUARY 14. 

No classes will meet on MLK holiday.

Spring Break dates will be announced later.

             

Monday

5:30 p.m. Imagine That! (ages 3.5 – 5 years) - meets in the music library)

5:45 p.m.Our Time (18 months- 3 years)

6:30 p.m Village (newborns – 18 months).

Tuesday

9: 30 a.m. Our Time

10:15 a.m. Village

3:40 p.m. Young Child, semester 2 (ages 4.5 – 7 years)

4:45 p.m. Young Child, semester 4

Wednesday

9:15 a.m. Village

10:15 a.m. Our Time

Thursday

9:30 a.m.Village

10:15 a.m. Our Time

11:00 a.m. Imagine That!

3:45 p.m. Beyond 2

4:15 p.m. Beyond 1

5:15 p.m. Young Child, semester 2

6:30 p.m. Our Time

Friday

9:30 a.m. Our Time

10:15 a.m. Imagine That!

Fall Break and More Community Happenings

Fall Break is Tuesday, October 9 - Monday, October 15 for Kindermusik of Berry College.  No classes will be held on these dates

The Pumpkin Patch is open daily at Trinity Methodist Church on Turner McCall Blvd.  Go visit the Patch for pumpkins and other fun treats.

Peach State Marching Festival and Chiaha Harvest Fair are coming the last weekend in October.  Look for details soon!

Book Signing and Meet the Author Day

On Saturday, October 20 you can hear Martin the Guitar read by the author, Harry Musselwhite.  Harry will also play some tunes on his guitar, and discuss the journey of writing a book.  You can reserve a book by emailing knobles@berry.edu
Books are $20 and are first come, first serve.

This event will take place from 10 - 11 a.m. in the Living Room of the Alumni Center of Berry College. The Alumni Center is downstairs from the Kindermusik room on the 1st floor of the Ford Complex.

Fall Break for Kindermusik of Berry College

The weather is lovely, and I hope you are able to get out and enjoy it. With the change of seasons come the various fall breaks. I wish there was consistency between the many school systems, but alas there is not. Kindermusik of Berry College serves families from all over Northwest Georgia and Alabama, so trying to coordinate breaks is impossible.

All that said, here's the schedule:

NO KINDERMUSIK CLASSES OCTOBER 9, 10, 11, 12 or 15.  Classes will meet on Monday October 8 and resume on Tuesday October 16.

Community Happenings

Rome is a great place to live, work, and play.  There are many opportunities in the community for families to enjoy and explore.  Here are several for you to put on your calendar:

Berry Farmer's Market

Saturday, September 15   7 a.m. - 1 p.m at Berry College
Behind the Krannert Center adjacent to the Cage Center (turn left before the gatehouse or just follow the signs).
For the kids: inflatable, cotton candy, face painting, a petting zoo, funnel cakes and photographs with a Berry jersey calf by Agri-Educations

Featuring the Berry Student Enterprises:

·  The fresh taste of the vegetables and herbs by Season’s Harvest and Martha’s Herbs
·  Berry’s own Angus beef select cuts by Berry Farms Angus Beef
·  Various hard and soft cheese produced from the milk of Berry’s jersey herd by the Berry Farms Jersey Milk
·  Adirondack chairs built by Viking Furniture
·  Handcrafted items by Viking Creations
·  Gifts from Oak Hill Gift Shop
· 
Vendors from the Rome community will also offer home-canned vegetables, jams and jellies, fresh-cut flowers, bath and beauty products, woodworking items, and home baked breads and pastries.

Berry Angus burgers will be served for $5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch.

Check out their website

Storytime at the Rome Floyd Library

This is a favorite among families with young children!  It is the best FREE 30 minutes in town.  Storytime includes puppet shows, music, and of course, books! Storytime meets every Tuesday at 10 or 11 a.m. in the children's theater beginning October 9.

Book Signing and Meet the Author Day

On Saturday, October 20 you can hear Martin the Guitar read by the author, Harry Musselwhite.  Harry will also play some tunes on his guitar, and discuss the journey of writing a book.  You can reserve a book by emailing knobles@berry.edu
Books are $20 and are first come, first serve. 

This event will take place from 10 - 11 a.m. in the Living Room of the Alumni Center of Berry College. The Alumni Center is downstairs from the Kindermusik room on the 1st floor of the Ford Complex.

Berry Fine Arts: Concerts and More

There is a concert, play or art show happening every week during the academic year on the Berry College campus.  Plan a date with your spouse, friend, or bring an older child and enjoy the arts at Berry.  Click here for the performance calendar

Spivey Hall Educational Programs by Clayton State University

This programming is not in Rome, but worth the drive.  These musical programs are just right for home school families, or if you have a day off from school.  The Young People's concerts include world class performances for $2 per person.  You do have to register in advance, so don't make plans to go unless you have reserved your space.  You can get more information here  The concert schedule runs from October - May.

Book Review: Martin the Guitar

There is a fictitious music store in New York City called Benninato's, and the shop is full of instruments waiting for someone to take them home.  One small guitar named Martin was a favorite of Mr. Benninato, but no one ever looked twice at Martin. People who came in the store favored the larger instruments.  This story was written by Harry Musselwhite, director of choral activities at Berry College. Mr. M wears many hats: choral director, basso profondo, film writer, and now adds children's author to his list of abilities. 





What do I love about this book:

• The characters. Their names are fun to say, and create images as you read.
• The lessons it teaches.  Martin is small, and over looked among the other instruments, but Mr. Benninato is encouraging to Martin.  This teaches patience, good things come to those who wait. The seasoned violin, Strada also gives Martin inspiration to step up.  This helps kids realize their elders do offer wisdom and encouragement.
• The way the music store comes to life.  All children love to imagine what happens when the store is dark, and the people have gone. The instruments in this story to come life with a concert each evening, and the same guy always wins (is he the store bully?), until one night....
• The artwork.  It is colorful, playful and delightful. The illustrator, Brian Barr, teaches at Georgia Highlands in Rome!
• The accompanying CD.  The music doesn't go with the story page by page like many children's books, but it takes the listener into the world of Martin.  
• Berry students were involved in the process of putting this book together.  Liz Robbins and Wes Scheidt are music education majors, and have been assistants in the Kindermusik classroom! Berry College educates the head, heart, and hands!

The book is a bit lengthy for the younger child, but children ages 6 - 10 will be engaged from beginning to end.  Children of all ages (2 - 92), will be enchanted with the compositions that are played so masterfully.  Did I mention that Mr. M wrote the songs, and played them too?? What a talent!!

If you would like a copy of this book, they will be available at Kindermusik of Berry College in mid-September.  Look for additional information about a special SIGNING day with Mr. Musselwhite.  Meet Mr. M, hear the music LIVE, and get your book autographed too!

Classes resume - what to expect

We are glad you are participating in the fall semester of Kindermusik of Berry College! Here are few things to remember and consider as you come to class each week:

• The college students are slowly moving back to campus, and their classes begin Monday, August 27.  The freshmen move in on Wednesday, August 22.  This will make finding a parking space more of a challenge. Also, note that these students are NOT looking for you and your child....so BE CAREFUL!!

• Use quiet voices and walking feet as you enter the building because classes are in session. Stay with your child all the way from the car to the building, and vice versa. This is for safety purposes.  I know children like to run and hide from their grown-up, especially the older kids...but please encourage them to stay with you.  Once you left the building take them to one of the fields and let them run and play!!

• Please monitor your child in the elevator! The red and yellow buttons call security, and they lose patience with all the false alarms.  An officer is dispatched EVERYTIME one of the buttons is pushed, even when your child pushes it by accident.  They are at a child's level, because if someone fell in the elevator, and really needed help they would be able to access the buttons easily!!

• Turn your cell phone off, or put it on silent while in class. This will allow you to focus fully on your child. If you must take a call, please do so in the hallway.

• WE FOLLOW FLOYD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN CASE OF SEVERE WEATHER. IF Floyd county schools are closed due to the weather, then Kindermusik will not not meet. IF the schools close after 2:00 p.m. you should call the Kindermusik office (706-233-4091) concerning afternoon and evening classes. IF it is a non-event (snows, schools close but it melts away by afternoon), then classes MAY meet. IF in doubt, call the Kindermusik office for an updated message, check the blog or Facebook.

• Please sign the photo release form in the classroom. This will give us permission to use pictures of you and your child on the blog, website or our Facebook page.

• If your child has had fever within the last 24 hours or you suspect that they are becoming ill, please do not attend class and chance infecting other families. You may make-up a class on a different day and time at any time during the semester.

• Have fun with your child at Kindermusik. No laundry, no dishes, no toys to pick up. Just enjoy this time, it passes very quickly!  Save those adult conversations for before and after class.

• Kindermusik is not about performance. It is a process of learning and loving. It is for families to grow in their time together.

Classes Start Monday, August 13

It's still summer, still hot, but FALL Kindermusik classes begin August 13 at Berry College.  

Here's the schedule:

Monday
5:30 pm Imagine That (ages 3.5-5)-1 space remains
5:45 pm Our Time (18 months - 3 years) 
6:30  pm Village (newborn - 18 months)

Tuesday
9:30 am Our Time
10:15 am Village
3:45 pm Young Child, semester 1(ages 4.5-7)
4:45 pm Young Child, semester 3(ages 5-7)

Wednesday
9:15 am Village -FULL
10:15 am Our Time

Thursday
9:30 am Village - potentially canceled due to low enrollment
10:15 am Our Time
11:00 am Imagine That - 1 space remains
3:45 - 5:15 Beyond 
(must have completed Young Child or approval of instructor)
5:15 pm Young Child, semester 1 - FULL
6:30 pm Our Time

Friday
9:30 am Our Time
10:15 am Imagine That - potentially canceled due to low enrollment

If you need directions to 

Kindermusik of Berry Colllege, click here

Email to make sure your class is still available!!

knobles@berry.edu

Coming This Weekend

Several family events are happening locally the weekend of 
July 21.


Rome Little Theater has it's Broadway Spectacular 4 opening on Friday, July 20 at 8 p.m.  The show has songs/dances from popular shows such as Cats, Sound of Music, Footloose, and Annie. You can catch the two hour plus production on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. for the next two weekends.  Admission is $12 for students and $14 for adults, if you call ahead.  Add a dollar for walk-up purchase the day of the show.


If you want to get outdoors, check out the Farm expo that will be held at Lowrey Farms in Armuchee on Saturday and Sunday.  You can buy farm fresh vegetables, check out the old farm equipment, and have a burger. For the kids there are wagon rides, and inflatables.  Admission for the two day event is FREE!! Lowrey Farms is located at 2416 Turkey Mountain Road.


Get a jump on BACK TO SCHOOL at Lieberman Family Chiropractic this Saturday.  From 2 - 5 p.m. you can get dental/eye screenings, spinal screenings, enjoy nutritious snacks, get a FREE haircut, play in the bouncy house, and much more.  Parents can even enjoy a chair massage!!  Bring a school supply item to help stuff a back pack for a needy child.

Berry Farmer's Market

If you live in Rome, then you already know that Berry College is one of the best places to visit.  You can hike, bike, and enjoy the abundant animal life of deer, turkey, ducks, cows, horses and more! This Saturday, July 14 you can also purchase fresh vegetables, home-made jam, fresh eggs, honey, and the great Berry beef and cheese.  


Bring the kids, and stroll down the shady lane across from the Ford buildings (where you come for Kindermusik).  The kids can enjoy free cotton candy, popcorn, face painting and inflatables.  The older kids and grown-ups can try their hand at corn hole toss.


You can have for lunch for $5 as Berry Angus burgers are served from 11-1.


The market takes place from 7 - 1 in the Clara Bowl. 

Summer Camp Fun

Kindermusik of Berry College just completed three camps spanning ages 3 - 10.  An inaugural camp featured an introduction to violin in addition to piano.  The violin segment was led by Joe and Samantha Lester.  The Lesters are professional strings players that play in orchestras throughout the southeast, as well as teaching private lessons.  They are familiar faces to many Kindermusik families as they are parents of  Kindermusik kid, Zack. Journeys  had 14 children that explored piano and violin.

Working hard in the piano lab

Hot Cross Buns on the black keys

Twinkle with both hands!

Violin time

Allegro group with Mr. Joe

Ms. Wendy had a Drums Culture camp in the Kindermusik room.  The children in this camp were ages 4 - 7, and they learned about music from various countries.

Adding music to a story

Steel drums were the highlight of Caribbean day.

Waiting to play

In the Journeys camp, the children also enjoyed ensemble time where they reviewed rhythms and reinforced steady beat on a variety of percussion instruments.

Steady beat on the bass metallaphone

Watching the conductor during ensemble

Andante group practices their bowing technique

Ms. Kay had 3 and 4 year olds in Growing with Music Camp.  Each day was different theme, including circus music, music from the farm and Indians.

Walking the tight rope takes a lot of concentration

Decorated drums to use with Indian day

Fall classes begin the week of August 13 and registration is now underway.  To obtain a brochure click here.

Native American Dancers & Drums

In May my family & I traveled to Colorado and visited Mesa Verde National Park. Between 600 and 1300 A.D. many Native Americans lived on the Mesa (table), and they built into the cliffs and canyons. They were known as Cliff Dwellers.  It was fascinating to explore where these people once lived, worked, and played.

The weekend we were visiting was an arts/culture festival, so there were special events presented by various Indian Tribes.  We watched Puebloan dancers, complete with drums and singing.  The dancers wear big ankle bells, and use shakers as they dance, just like we discuss at Kindermusik!  The men also wear animal type coverings.  Here is a short video from that windy day of dancing.

Below is a look at the Cliff Dwellings

At the end of the demonstration, 
Alyssa and I joined the dancers 
for the Friendship Dance 
and then a photo op!

Bobby Bales of the Taos Pueblo tribe made these drums
from cottonwood trees, and elk hide.
 I bought a small drum for the Kindermusik classroom!

If you want to see more of  Colorado click here!

Now Registering!

The fall brochure is out for Kindermusik of Berry College!  If you haven't received one in the mail or picked one up in person, then you can find it here.  You will need to print it out, fill it out, and mail it in...yep it's paperwork instead of online.  


In the past, the early bird discount has been June 15.  This year the early bird discount is still $15 IF you pay in full, but the date is JULY 15.  Classes are beginning to fill, so don't delay just because you have an extended early bird discount deadline!


Other discounts include:
sibling discount of 10% 
materials reduction of $40. This is for those who have already been through a curriculum with an older sibling and still have their materials!  This also means you won't get any materials on the first day of class.


If you have questions about discounts or availability of classes, please email Kathryn at knobles@berry.edu

Fall classes begin the week of August 13 and are held in the historic Ford Complex of the beautiful Berry College campus.

Summer classes update

Maymester classes ends on Tuesday, June 5.  But don't despair, summer classes begin next week!! Here's the update on enrollment/cancellation.

Two classes have been cancelled due to lacking enrollment. 


Monday Village at 6:30 p.m.
Monday Musical Beginnings at 5:45 p.m.


If you were planning to enroll in either of these classes please email me about other possibilities for your child. Family Time on Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. is one of those options. Family Time is a multi-age, family oriented class, but it's easy to join in this fun class.


Village (newborn - 18 months)on Tuesday 9 a.m. has 2 spaces available and Thursday 9 a.m. is in jeopardy of being cancelled due to low enrollment.


Musical Beginnings (ages 18 months - 3 years) - Monday 9 a.m. has availability. Wednesday 9 a.m. is FULL. Tuesday 6:30 p.m. has a few spaces available, though it is an option for those who have enrolled in Monday 5:45 p.m.

Two camps the week of June 25 - 29 are now full.  Kamp Kindermusik and Journeys 1 are no longer accepting registration.  


There is still space in the following camps:
Growing with Music Camps (ages 3 - 4 1/2) which meet June 18 - 22 and 
June 25 -29.


Kamp Kindermusik (ages 4 1/2 - 7)  has availability during June 18 - 22 and July 9 - 13.


Journeys 2 (ages 6 - 9), introduction to piano/recorder has availability the week of July 9 - 13.

Summer Kindermusik

Maymester classes are underway and continue through June 5.  Summer classes begin the week of  June 11.  Some classes/camps are full for the summer so here's the latest update on availability.

Village  for baby (newborn - 18 months) and adult caregiver.
Mondays 6:30 p.m. - OPEN
Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 5 spaces remain
Thursday 9 a.m. - OPEN

Musical Beginnings  for 18 months - 3 years of age, and an adult caregiver
Monday 9:00 a.m. - 6 spaces remain
Monday 5:45 p.m. - OPEN
Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. - 4 spaces remain
Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - FULL


Family Time for newborns - 7 years of age, and an adult caregiver or two! 
Tuesdays 5:45 p.m. - space for 3 families


Week long camps
June 18 - 22
Growing with Music (ages 3 - 4 1/2) - 5 spaces remain
Kamp Kindermusik (ages 4 1/2 - 7) - 7 spaces remain


June 25 - 29
Growing with Music - 3 spaces remain
Kamp Kindermusik - 1 space remains
Journeys 1 (piano/violin intro)  - FULL


July 9 - 13
Kamp Kindermusik - 6 spaces remain
Journeys 2 (piano/recorder) - OPEN


If a class or camp says "open" that indicates that there are 3 or less enrolled, therefore plenty of space.


I will update this list as changes occur.