Thanks for stopping by A Family Place. I enjoy working with families, and sharing the power of music with them. Kindermusik provides this outlet for me. This blog will allow me to share thoughts and ideas that can help families in their journey.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

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.

Friday, June 15, 2012

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!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

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.

Monday, June 4, 2012

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.