A Family Place: Children's Music Classes

Checking Out Schools, part 2

2012-02-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in a premier preschool program for your 3 - 5 year old, then check out Berry College Child Development Center. The school is housed in the log cabin area on the Berry campus, which are known as cottages. There is a fabulous playground, and the ever present deer population roaming outside on the grounds.

Berry has PreK3 and PreK4 classes which are open to the public. Many families put their child on the waiting list as early as birth, though there are spaces available for Fall 2012! One of the pre-requisites before enrolling in the CDC is that your child is potty trained. They boast that tuition is lower than other private schools, and meals are included in your fees. Yoga and Spanish are also included in the tuition. For additional fees your child can participate in Kindermusik ABC Music and Me classes, and computer skills. All of these extras are taught on site!

One of the most outstanding components at the CDC is the adult:child ratio of 1:5. This is because the center has energetic college students that work in the classroom with the certified teachers.

You can learn more about Berry's Child Development Center here. Open House will be held on February 24 from 8:30 - noon and 4 - 6 pm.

Pray for Brandon

2012-01-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

My other blog, tarted as a way to share our National Park trips with friends and family. These trips are taken with the Williams family. They are more than travel buddies, they are our neighbors, friends, Berry alums, and educators. Their children have spent many hours with our kids. We share holidays together, dinner, dessert, a hike or bike ride at Berry.

Waiting for the bus in Boston

Brandon is 16 years old, and has endured years of medical procedures. I call him a human pin cushion. Without going through his whole medical history, the last 18 months have been especially trying for his family as he has dealt with intestinal issues. Next week he will go to Scottish Rite to have a colectomy with an ileoanal j pouch. Basically he will have a his large intestine removed, and have a temporary bag, which the j pouch will replace once that part of the surgery heals. The surgery will take place on Wednesday February 1. Please pray for Brandon, his doctors, nurses and his parents, Stephen & Beth.

Brandon loves to play video games, and Aaron is always happy to join him. This is Brandon at age 10.

Brandon with the weasel the kids found in a house in New Hampshire during our New England trip. There is a story here, and no one tells a story quite like Brandon!

Beth, Brandon, Emily & Stephen in Boston

Brandon & Mom on the Golden Gate bridge

Brandon has a loving, supportive family, friends and church family. He has a terrific outlook on the situation, but he would rather be fishing, kayaking, or watching NASCAR! I look forward to Brandon getting to resume the activities he loves!

Colorado is calling Nobles/Williams travel crew in May, and we need Brandon ready to skip some rocks!

Checking Out Schools, part 1

2012-01-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

Kindermusik of Berry College serves families all over Rome, Floyd County and other neighboring counties. Our families are often looking for the best school for their child. Rome is fortunate to have many great choices for families to consider. This series of posts will highlight the plethora of schools in the area.

Saint Mary's School was founded in 1945, and continues a tradition of academic excellence. This Parochial school is hosting an open house on Tuesday, January 31 at 6 pm and another on Sunday, February 12 at 2 pm.

Here are some fast facts about St. Mary's taken from their web page.

We Are:

Pre-K through 8th grade with two classes per grade level
55% Catholic and 45% Protestant
Members and Parishioners from over 30 local area churches
A parochial school with an average class size of 18 students
A Christian ministry where 30% of students receive tuition assistance

Why Families Choose Us:

An intimate family atmosphere committed to involvement, support, and service
Reputation of academic excellence since 1945
Commitment to Christian values, principles, and teachings
Fully certified faculty, half of whom hold Masters Degrees or higher
SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) Accredited since 1981
Balanced program of academics, social development and Christian formation
Emphasis on developing values, self-discipline, and work ethic
Record of alumni success both at public and private college prep programs
Safe learning environment

For more information contact Christa Jackson at 706-234-4953 ext. 15 or cjackson@smsrome.org

NEXT POST: Berry College Child Development Center

What about???

2012-01-13T10:14:00.000-08:00

Spring semester is underway for Kindermusik of Berry College, and you may have some questions or some "what if's?"

Is there Kindermusik of Martin Luther King Day? NO, the college is closed. No classes will meet on Monday, January 16.

What if we have inclement weather, how will I know if Kindermusik classes are meeting? Typically, if the Floyd County schools are closed due to weather conditions, then Kindermusik will not meet. There will be announcement on Kindermusik of Berry's Facebook page, here on the blog, and on the office phone (706-233-4091). Sometimes the schools delay opening or they get out early because of weather conditions, in those cases make sure you call or check an online source. You can also check www.hometownheadlines.com for an announcement.

What if I miss a class because my child is sick or we are out of town? Can I come to a different day/time? Yes! You may want to email knobles@berry.edu to make sure that the class is meeting that week, as occasionally a teacher is out of town.

Where can I see a schedule of classes? Click here to find the schedule!

Can relatives visit the class, i.e, grandma and grandpa? Music making is a family affair, so we love it when they visit!

Is there a handicap access to the Ford buildings? Yes. Park in the small parking lot, and follow the sidewalk toward the reflection pools. Look for the handicap ramp and side entrance. This will take you to the first floor, turn left to get to the elevator. It's a long haul, but you don't have to maneuver any steps. If you still have questions, ask a teacher to help you!

When does the semester end? Unless we have weather issues (and last year we did!), classes end the of April. Teachers will announce spring break dates which are typically in March.

More "what if's" next time! Stay warm.

Spring Classes begin January 9

2012-01-04T13:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Kindermusik of Berry College resumes on Monday January 9. The college students return to classes the same day! Be early to get a good parking space, look out for student drivers, and be prepared for strange looks from students not familiar with Kindermusik.

If you haven't enrolled for the new semester your choices are limited for the Our Time classes (ages 18 months - 3 years). You can choose Monday at 5:45 p.m. or Thursday at 6:30 p.m. There is one space in the Tuesday 9:30 a.m. class.

The Village classes (newborn - 18 months) have plenty of availability on Tuesday 10:15 a.m. and Thursday 9:30 a.m., Wednesday 9:15 has 2 spaces available and the Monday evening, 6:30 class is FULL.

Classes for Imagine That (ages 3.5 - 5 years) is full on Monday afternoon, but there is space on Thursday 11 a.m. and one space on Friday at 10:15 a.m.

Email knobles@berry.edu before you send your registration to check on the latest availability.

Also, remember that your balance is due at the first class unless you have made other arrangements for payment. Does that interest you? Then send me an email, and let's make it work!

What's still available?

2011-12-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

Spring semester begins the week of January 9, and there are still classes available. You can get a registration form here. The following is an updated list of openings. If there is nothing listed beside the class, then there are more than 3 spaces available.

Village (newborn-18 months)
Monday 6:30 p.m.- 2 spaces remain
Tuesday 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday 9:15 a.m. - 2 spaces remain
Thursday 9:30 a.m.

Our Time (18 months - 3 years)
Monday 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 1 space remains
Wednesday 10:15 a.m. - FULL
Thursday 10:15 a.m. - FULL
Thursday 6:30 p.m. -
Friday 9:30 a.m. - FULL

Imagine That! (3.5 - 5 years)
Monday 5:30 p.m. - FULL
Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 3 spaces remain
Friday 10:15 a.m. - 1 space remains

Young Child, (4.5 - 7 years) semester 2
Tuesday 3:40 p.m.
Thursday 5:15 p.m.

Young Child, semester 4 and Beyond Kindermusik are offered but only for continuing students. New students are not added at this time.

A Good Beginning Never Ends, but the semester is over

2011-12-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

Fall semester comes to a close this week, and it has been a great time of singing, moving and learning. It's wonderful to watch the children grow in their Kindermusik experience. When the semester began there were children who stayed by the wall, and wouldn't participate. Or there were children who would run, and not participate in the way mom thought they should. With the encouragement of great moms, dads, grandma's, and nannies the children began to join in the activities.

In Kindermusik we get to watch milestones such as: learning to sit up, taking the first step, vocalizing their way to say hello, singing part of a song, learning to gallop, playing a steady beat, making a friend, and the list goes on and on. Kindermusik isn't just about music, it's about children and families enjoying time together.

Spring semester begins the week of January 9, and there are still classes available. You can get a registration form here. The following is an updated list of openings. If there is nothing listed beside the class, then there are more than 3 spaces available.

Village (newborn-18 months)
Monday 6:30 p.m.- 2 spaces remain
Tuesday 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday 9:15 a.m. - 3 spaces remain
Thursday 9:30 a.m.

Our Time (18 months - 3 years)
Monday 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 3 spaces remain
Wednesday 10:15 a.m. - FULL
Thursday 10:15 a.m. - FULL
Thursday 6:30 p.m. -
Friday 9:30 a.m. - 2 spaces remain

Imagine That! (3.5 - 5 years)
Monday 5:30 p.m. - FULL
Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 3 spaces remain
Friday 10:15 a.m. - 2 spaces remain

Young Child, (4.5 - 7 years) semester 2
Tuesday 3:40 p.m.
Thursday 5:15 p.m.

Young Child, semester 4 & Beyond Kindermusik are offered but only for continuing students. New students are not added at this time.

One personal story...and there are MANY!
A few weeks ago I was at All-State choral auditions, and a middle school girl came up to me and said, "you were my teacher, I came to Kindermuisk." Later I saw her mom, who told me that I was the reason she was at the auditions. I can't take all the credit, but I'm glad to have been a part of her musical journey! As the tag line goes...a good beginning never ends!

Black Friday - instruments

2011-11-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

I hope you found some Black Friday bargains today, but you probably still need a few items to complete your holiday shopping. Here are a few items that will be on sale starting Monday when you come for Kindermusik classes. These make nice stocking stuffers.

Chickitas come in a variety of colors & are fun to shake to the music. $4 each. 24 available

Blue scarves are perfect for moving to music and having fun. $4 each. 10 available.

Red jingles just like we use in class are $3 each. 24 available

There are some other "odds & ends" that are also available for purchase. Ask your teacher about these & we'll help you find something to make your little musician happy! Payment for any of these items is by check (to Berry College) or cash.

Looking for something else, but want it to be music related? Check out West Music or Kindermusik.

Want to find a fun CD? I recommend David Holt, I Got a Bullfrog or any of his storytelling CD's. Another favorite for the family is Straight No Chaser. They are an amazing male a cappella group that is great entertainment for the whole family. Their Christmas Cheers or Holiday Spirits CD's will bring a lot of joy to your Christmas season. You can find these artists on iTunes, at Amazon or their own website.

You can still register for spring classes...except a few are full (W & TH 10:15 Our Time). If you pay in full by Dec. 10, take $10 off. If you register with a deposit of $60 by Dec. 1, you can get a free t-shirt for your child. Two more weeks of classes remain for fall semester. See you in class!

Is my child ready?

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here are a few thoughts about Kindermusik children moving up to a new age group. About this time of the semester Kindermusik teachers are asked, "is my child ready to move to the next class?"

Moving from the Village class (newborns - 18 months) to Our Time (18 months - 3 years). There are many differences in children between one and two years of age. Making the decision to move can be difficult, but here are some basic questions for you to consider:

Are they 18 months old?
Are they walking?
Are they showing a willingness to put instruments/props away when activities are over?
Are they interested in reading books?

The activities in Our Time don't allow for as much exploration, and thus the pace is quicker than the Village class. 16 month olds have participated successfully in Our Time. 18 month olds have benefited from staying in Village. Each child is different, and you have to make the decision based on what you see in your child.

Remember that babies grow up too fast, so don't rush this precious time...just enjoy the journey.

Kindermusik Our Time is for ages 18 months - 3 years. Imagine That ages are 3 1/2 - 5 years. What happens during that 6 month time when Our Time ends and Imagine That begins? Parents want to know if their child should move up as soon after they turn 3 or wait. They will often say things like, "they are the oldest in the Our Time class, I wonder if they should move?"

Let me give you a personal perspective. I have 4 children, the youngest is Kate. She has always been mature for her age because she was the youngest, and because she grew up with college students babysitting for her! She potty trained at 18 months. She had done music since the womb.

Kate & I attended Kindermusik with Ms. Wendy on Tuesday mornings at 9:30, and had a great time. She has a December birthday, thus turning 3 mid-year. Should we move up to Imagine That? She could have, and would have done fine...but we stayed in Our Time for another semester.

She got to be the oldest! She had lots of great ideas for us to do for the activities! We had lots of fun being together and enjoying music. When she moved up to Imagine That in the fall, she was ready.

That is my story, but here are some guidelines for you to consider with your child:

Separates from adult without crying; enjoys interacting with peers.
Thinks creatively - has moved from "what animals do you know?" to "what might we see in our pretend tree?"
Recognizes the needs of others; can be empathetic; take turns (usually!), understand classroom rules and why they are important
Developing abstract language and thought - can sustain a pretend play and enjoy developing an idea for up to 5 minutes or more.
Can tell stories, relate a series of ideas, connect own experiences to those of others
Beginning to take turns - can accept "she is playing the woodblock, and you have the tambourine today"
Has broad movement vocabulary, and can explore the same movement in diverse ways ("What other parts of your body can twirl?")
Can sit and listen to a story or musical selection for several minutes, and comment on what they have heard.
Knows simple shapes, colors, weather, seasons, and is beginning to count
Participates in singing, and reciting rhymes.
Chooses to participate with peers more readily than the parent...this is often an indication that your child is ready to move to the next level.

Talk with your child's teacher and get her perspective...every child is unique!

Friends Meet at Kindermusik

2011-11-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Kindermusik provides many things for families, but a special part is the friendships that are made in class. It's great to see little ones reach out, and take a friends hand to dance in a circle.

Registration is now in progress for spring semester. You can get a brochure/registration form here
Classes fill quickly, so choose your class and prepare to make new friends!

Tweet, Chirp, Whooo

2011-11-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Kids in Kindermusik Imagine That classes have been learning about birds. We talk about birds, how they move, where they live, how they sound. We listen to different kinds of birds, sing songs about birds, pretend to be birds and hear music that makes us think of birds. Today the children came with bird mask. They loved being a bird! I had blue jays, pigeons, and other beautiful birds.

Priority Enrollment is NOW

2011-10-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

Current Kindermusik families can register now through November 4. You can choose your class day/time before the general public gets the brochure. Those that pay deposit by December 1 will also get a FREE Kindermusik t-shirt for their child! Details and discounts are as follows:

· Pay in full by November 15 and receive $15 discount.

· Pay in full by December 10 and receive a $10 discount.

· Pay in full OR a deposit by December 1 and receive a FREE Kindermusik T-shirt for your child!

· Register with a check and put your child’s name/class selection in the memo of the check. Example: Bobby, OT M 5:45

Abbreviations for classes are as follows:

Village–V; Our Time–OT; Imagine That–IT; Young Child–YC; Beyond

No need to fill out a registration form UNLESS your contact information has changed. Just remember to put your child's name and class selection in the memo section of your check. If you pay in cash, clip a note with your child's name and class selection to the money.

Spring 2012

Kindermusik Village (newborn – 18 months) $205 (V)

Cock-a-doodle Moo & Dewdrops

Monday 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday 9:15 a.m

Thursday 9:30 a.m.

Kindermusik Our Time (18 months – 3 years) $190 (OT)

Away We Go!

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. -

Kindermusik Imagine That! ( 3.5 - 5 years) $205 (IT)

Toys I Make, Trips I Take.

Monday 5:30 p.m. (music library)

Thursday 11:00 a.m.

Friday 10:15 a.m.

Kindermusik for the Young Child (4.5 – 7 years)

$215 returning students (YC)

Semester 2 (green folder) Tuesday 3:40 p.m. or Thursday 5:15 p.m.

Semester 4 (yellow folder) Tuesday 4:45 p.m.

Beyond Kindermusik (Beyond)

post Kindermusik classes, piano, recorder and ensemble $175

Meets on Thursday afternoons

Beyond #2 – 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Beyond #1 – 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

· Do you think your child should move to the next level? Ask your teacher for her recommendation.

Are you enrolling siblings? Do you have the curriculum from an older sibling? There are discounts! Email me at knobles@berry.edu
Need to mail your deposit/payment?
Kindermusik of Berry College
P.O. Box 490001
Mt. Berry, GA 30149-0001

PRIORITY enrollment now in progress. Reserve your space today!!

October in Rome

2011-10-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

October is a busy month in Rome. Here are a few family friendly events to enjoy.

October 22 - Peach State Marching Festival is held at Barron Stadium. The annual event draws bands from Georgia, Alabama & Tennessee. Bands typically begin around noon and continue through the evening. Come out and see the bands. Admission is $7, children under the age of 6 are free!! Get your hand stamped, go to Chiaha, then come back for more bands!

October 22 - 23 - Chiaha Harvest Fair at Ridge Ferry Park. You can browse the vendors, buy unique gifts, enjoy delicious foods, and hear some good music in a family atmosphere. Chiaha is a part of Heritage Holidays.

Storytime has resumed at the Rome Floyd Library. Join Ms. Barbara & Ms. Jeanie for stories, songs, puppets and more. Storytime meets every Tuesday at 10 or 11 a.m. This is the best FREE 30 minutes in town. Don't forget to check out some books or videos before you leave the library.

Want to learn more about kid friendly happenings in Rome? Check out Hometown Headlines. They update this page frequently with events and discounts.

Fun Times in Kindermusik

2011-10-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

Kindermusik families have been marching, playing, singing, and having fun in Kindermusik classes this fall. Steady beat is foundation of music, and that is always a focus of any class. We march to the beat, tap to the beat, sway to the beat, and any other ways we can think to keep a beat!

The older children have been learning about percussion instruments, and have listened to a variety of instruments. This culminated with making their own! Here are some pictures from the past several weeks. Fall classes continue through the week of December 5th.

The Dent family marches to the music

Katy Jane "finds" her daddy!

Edith & Mom play with the scarf

Sam playing the drum

Gil tries the xylophone, while Olivia & Braden wait their turn.

Shakers in Imagine That!

Homemade percussion instruments in Young Child.

Fall break & a fun video

2011-09-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

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!!

Deals & Discounts

2011-08-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

Everyone likes a deal or a discount! Berry alumni, Christy Dixon, has started a business called Atlanta Kids Club. Christy was my student worker in Kindermusik while at Berry, she babysat for numerous Rome families & now has her own Kindermusik business too. True to form she is a busy lady & mom to four kids!

If you make frequent trips to the Atlanta area, then you may want to become a member of the Atlanta Kids Club. Membership is $12 a month & the deals are GREAT! Here are just a few:

Alliance Theater - 25% off tickets
Atlanta Hawks - various discounts
Atlanta Motor Speedway - free kid's tickets
Sesame Street Live - $3 off
Shane's Rib Shack - free kids meal in numerous locations in metro area
Stone Mountain - $20 one day pass for 3 & up
Zoo Atlanta - $7 off adults, $5 off children

There are MANY more, and many to come as they add to their list. Currently they are talking with Chili's, Red Lobster, & California Pizza to get free kids meals. Plus there are lots of FREE things offered each month & it changes month to month. It's not your typical discount card.
The card is good for the entire family, whether you have one child or 10!

So, if you visit the metro area on a frequent basis, then you may want to join this club. PLUS, this organization GIVES back through their foundation. Half of each monthly membership goes back into the foundation to help various groups in the Atlanta area.

This is definitely worth checking out...even for those in Rome!

Classes resume - what to expect

2011-08-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

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

The college students are back, and their classes begin Monday, August 22. This will make finding a parking space more of a challenge. Also, note that these students are NOT looking for you & your child....so BE CAREFUL!!

Use quiet voices & 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.

Please monitor your child in the elevator! The red and yellow buttons call security, and they lose patience with all the false alarms.

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 touse pictures of you & 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!

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

Updated list for fall Kindermusik classes

2011-07-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Fall 2011- what's available UPDATE!!!

It's shaping up to be a great year, and many classes are already full, with some nearing capacity.

Village (newborns - 18 months)

Monday 6:30 p.m. - FULL

Tuesday 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday 9:15 a.m. - FULL

Thursday 9:30 a.m.

Our Time (18 months - 3 years)

Monday 5:45 p.m. - 2 spaces available

Tuesday 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday 10:15 a.m. - FULL

Thursday 9:30 a.m.

Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Friday 9:30 a.m.

Imagine That (3.5 - 5 years)

Monday 5;30 p.m. - FULL

Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 2 spaces available

Friday 10:15 a.m.

Young Child, semester 1

Tuesday 3:40 p.m.

Thursday 5:15 p.m.

Young Child, semester 3

Tuesday 5:00 p.m. - FULL --NOTE TIME HAS MOVED TO 5 PM

Beyond Kindermusik

Year 1 - Thursday 3:45 p.m.

Year 2 - Thursday 4:15 p.m.

Classes that do not list availability, have more than

3 slots available

Fall 2011- what's available

2011-07-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

The summer session of Kindermusik is now complete, and fall classes begin the week of August 15.

It's shaping up to be a great year, and many classes are already full, with some nearing capacity.

Village (newborns - 18 months)

Monday 6:30 p.m. - 1 space available

Tuesday 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday 9:15 a.m. - FULL

Thursday 9:30 a.m.

Our Time (18 months - 3 years)

Monday 5:45 p.m. - 3 spaces available

Tuesday 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday 10:15 a.m. - FULL

Thursday 9:30 a.m.

Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Friday 9:30 a.m.

Imagine That (3.5 - 5 years)

Monday 5;30 p.m. - FULL

Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 2 spaces available

Friday 10:15 a.m.

Young Child, semester 1

Tuesday 3:40 p.m.

Thursday 5:15 p.m.

Young Child, semester 3

Tuesday 4:45 p.m. (may move to 5 pm) - 3 spaces available

Beyond Kindermusik

Year 1 - Thursday 3:45 p.m.

Year 2 - Thursday 4:15 p.m.

Classes that do not list availability, have more than

3 slots available

Summer drumming

2011-07-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Summer Kindermusik has been full of exploration & fun. Here are some recent pictures of our drumming.

Carter showing Mom how to play!

Lauren pats along to the music.

Even our littlest friends enjoy exploring the sounds of the drum.

Little children with the big drum.

Sometimes the drum helps the children pull up & stand.

Sarah & Jackson share a drum.

I just love this picture of Wesley & his mom. They are having fun marching to the music and waving their scarves.

One week remains before the summer fun ends. BUT WAIT, a bonus class is added on Tuesday, July 19 & Wednesday July 20. If you missed a class due to vacation join us on one of those days. Busy Days for newborns to 18 months on Tuesday, Musical Beginnings for 18 months - 3 years on Wednesday.

Fall classes begin August 15. You can get a registration form here.

Fall Registration Countdown

2011-07-04T06:14:00.000-07:00

The summer session of Kindermusik is coming to a close & that means fall classes are around the corner! Classes are filling quickly, so send in your registration & deposit today to get the class for you. The Village class on Wednesday 9:15 a.m. is already full, so other choices need to be selected.

If you register and pay in full by July 15, you can deduct $10. Other discounts include having siblings enrolled (10%), or having curriculum from an older child & getting a sibling home kit...that saves you $40. If none of the discounts apply & you can't pay in full, then email me (knobles@berry.edu) about a payment plan.

Classes begin August 15 and run for 15 weeks. With a few holidays in the mix, you get class until early December! The fee you pay includes ALL your materials plus the weekly classes. No equipment to purchase, just come as your are for once a week music making with your child, and new friends too! Come join the fun.

Do you need some affirmation that Kindermusik is a solid choice for your family? Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, author of "Raising Your Spirited Child", has this to say:

"Kindermusik brings parents and children together for fun and education. The learning is active, engaging and developmentally appropriate. Children are exposed to diverse learning materials and are provided with rich opportunities for hands-on experiences with developmentally appropriate instruments. The joy is in the process of learning and the result is children who are more attuned in reaching their full potential."

Free Concert June 24

2011-06-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

If you have kids then you know that CARS 2 is due out on Friday June 24. I'm excited about the movie, but this Friday I'm going to a FREE CONCERT by the Eighth Regiment Band at the Rome City Auditorium.

The concert will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the local band which has since been a fixture in the arts and history communities.

The band is a recreation of a 19th Century Brass Band, complete with authenticate period instruments.

The concert opens with the Star Spangled Banner at 7:30 p.m. & is free to the public

Rhythms of the Land camp

2011-06-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Children attending Kamp Kindermusik at Berry College are learning about Native Americans. Rhythms of the Land is a fun, high energy camp where ages 4 - 7 year olds learn about Indian tribes and their music.

We sing songs like Land of the Silver Birch, Ho Ho Watanay & Navajo Happy Song. We have had lots of experience with steady beat this week using a variety of drums. The children can distinguish different rhythms aurally and visually, plus they can use them an ensemble.

Drumming our tribe names:

Aztec, Mic Mac, Blackfoot Cherokee,

Pueblo, Navajo, Cheyenne, Cree

We learned that many tribes make mask to use in their celebrations and festivals. We made our own fun masks. Here's June with her mask & necklace.

Making our necklaces.

Who is that masked girl playing the drum?

Native Americans live in teepees, wigwams and other dwellings different than our homes. Here we are inside our "Rainbow wigwam"...known as a parachute. We had snack and a story while in the wigwam. Our story was The Legend of Sleeping Bear. It was a sad story, but because it's a legend we know it is not true.

Here are the kids in front of their totem pole.

There are children under the mask.

The Dog Song, Orffestrations

2011-06-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

In our Orffestrations camp (ages 8 - 11) this summer we did a version of Bow, Wow, Wow. There was a lot of listening & discussion of what instruments to use, and how to arrange the parts of the song. The video is the finished product.

Orff class, Senjua

2011-06-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Cannon, Parker, Renee, Kenzi, Mallory & Natalie pose before their performance.

Carl Orff was a German composer, best known for Carmina Burana. He also developed a system called Orff Schulwerk. It is a way to teach and learn music specifically designed for children.

It is based on things children like to do: sing, chant rhymes, clap, dance, and keep a beat on anything near at hand. These instincts are directed into learning music by hearing and making music first, then reading and writing it later. This is the same way we all learned our language.

Orff Schulwerk uses poems, rhymes, games, songs, and dances as examples and basic materials. These may be traditional or original. Spoken or sung, they may be accompanied by clapping and stamping or by drums, sticks, and bells. The special Orff melody instruments include wooden xylophones and metal glockenspiels that offer good sound immediately. Played together as in a small orchestra, their use helps children become sensitive listeners and considerate participants.

Senjua is an African welcome song that the children developed a movement sequence. Part of the Orff experience is for the children to create and contribute, therefore not so teacher driven.

It was a great week with a fun group of kids. I hope to see them all again next summer.

Another update on Summer

2011-05-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

As of June 1 - Kindermusik of Berry College Summer Session has the following openings:

STILL HAVE SPACE June 6 - 10 for Orffestrations - ages 7 - 10. This is not advertised to the public. All that is needed is a love of music! It's about making music together with metallaphones, xylophones, drums, and other percussion instruments. 10 - noon. $65. Call (706-233-4091) or email (knobles@berry.edu) for more information

Kindermusik Village, Busy Days. Newborns - 18 months. $88 5 weeks, begins June 13

Monday 6:30 p.m. - 3 spaces

Tuesday 9 a.m. - 1 space

Thursday 9 a.m. - 1 space

Musical Beginnings - 18 months - 3 years. $68 5 weeks, begins June 13

Monday 9 a.m. - 3 spaces

Monday 5:45 p.m. - 9 spaces

Tuesday 6:30 p.m. - 9 spaces

Wednesday 9 a.m. - 2 spaces

Family Time - newborns - age 7. 5 weeks, begins June 14

Tuesday 5:45 p.m. - room for one more family

Growing with Music - camp for ages 3 - 5. 10 - 11:15 a.m.

75 minutes, parents join the class the last 15 minutes.

June 13 - 17 - 3 spaces

June 20 - 24 - 1 space

Kamp Kindermusik - ages 4 - 7. 10 -noon

Land of Rhythm - Native American Music

June 13 - 17 - 4 spaces

June 20 -24 - 1 space

July 11 - 15 - 6 spaces

Journeys - ages 6 -8. 10 -noon

Intro to piano & recorder

June 20 - 24 - 1 space

July 11 - 15 - 7 spaces

PRIORITY ENROLLMENT HAS ENDED, open registration begins June 1.

Classes for the fall are filling quickly!! Wednesday 9:15 Village is ALREADY full. Thursday 11:00 Imagine That has 3 spaces remaining. Fall registration brochures will be available outside the Kindermusik room & will be mailed out this week. Registration forms will be available online after June 1.

Openings this Summer

2011-05-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

Kindermusik of Berry College Summer Session has the following openings:

Orffestrations - ages 7 - 10. This is not advertised to the public. All that is needed is a love of music! It's about making music together with metallaphones, xylophones, drums, and other percussion instruments. June 6 - 10 from 10 - noon. $65. Call (706-233-4091) or email (knobles@berry.edu) for more information

Kindermusik Village, Busy Days. Newborns - 18 months. $88 5 weeks, begins June 13

Monday 6:30 p.m. - 2 spaces

Tuesday 9 a.m. - 1 space

Thursday 9 a.m. - 2 spaces

Musical Beginnings - 18 months - 3 years. $68 5 weeks, begins June 13

Monday 9 a.m. - 4 spaces

Monday 5:45 p.m. - 9 spaces

Tuesday 6:30 p.m. - 9 spaces

Wednesday 9 a.m. - 4 spaces

Family Time - newborns - age 7. 5 weeks, begins June 14

Tuesday 5:45 p.m. - room for one more family

Growing with Music - camp for ages 3 - 5. 10 - 11:15 a.m.

75 minutes, parents join the class the last 15 minutes.

June 13 - 17 - 3 spaces

June 20 - 24 - 1 space

Kamp Kindermusik - ages 4 - 7. 10 -noon

Land of Rhythm - Native American Music

June 13 - 17 - 6 spaces

June 20 -24 - 3 spaces

July 11 - 15 - 6 spaces

Journeys - ages 6 -8. 10 -noon

Intro to piano & recorder

June 20 - 24 - 1 space

July 11 - 15 - 7 spaces

Fall registration is open to those who were enrolled this spring. If you need a form, email me and I'll attach it. Open registration begins June 1, and forms will be available online at that time.

Kindermusik at the Park

2011-05-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Kindermusik is for families! Playing instruments and moving to music are part of the fun. But one of the great by-products of Kindermusik are the relationships that are formed. Families that meet in the classroom often continue their friendships over dinner, playdates and even vacations. A tradition that started several years ago is for Kindermusik families to come to Ridge Ferry Park. Playing with friends and picnicking is the only objective.

Here are some pictures from last week's park excursion.

Lisa & Peyton

Braden having fun on the slide.

Caroline loves to swing!

Alex swings with mom.

Friends: Parker & Alexa

Sophie & Sebastian take a ride.

Brock is enjoying his PBJ at the park.

Three amigos!

We love babies!

Thursday morning moms catching up while the kids play.

Charlie - going up!

Renee balancing

Cheeeeese!

Aubree & Elijah having fun together.

Matthew coming through the tunnel

A few moms brought recipes to share. I'll be sharing those later on the blog, so check back soon.

Come to the Park!

2011-05-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join us on the playground at Ridge Ferry Park on

Monday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m.

or Thursday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Look for Kindermusik friends on the playground - weather permitting! It's a fun time to let the kids play, and the parent's socialize!
Bring your picnic and enjoy!

If you want to bring a quick & easy recipe to share, that would be great too. I'll post them on the blog throughout the summer.

Kindermusik OUT because of storms

2011-04-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

This has been a crazy semester. Snow storms & tornadoes! Hopefully your family is safe through the latest storms.

The picture below shows the "swing" tree outside of Ford. This is just one of MANY trees that was damaged or downed due to the tornadoes.

Kindermusik of Berry College follows the county school closings for weather related issues. The Floyd County Schools are closed today(4/28) and Friday, April 29 due to the tornadoes. Therefore, Kindermusik will NOT meet on either day. Thursday classes will meet on May 5, and that will be the last class for those who attend on Thursday.

Friday classes are delayed for many reasons, and therefor the ending date is May 20. It's the semester that just won't end.

Tree up-rooted beside college chapel.

The destruction of the Berry campus is sad, but thankfully no injuries or loss of life. A few cottages were destroyed by falling trees, and several cars. You may be tempted to drive out and look around, but today the campus was closed to the public for safety reasons. If you want to see video or pictures from the college, click here.

No Kindermusik on April 28

2011-04-28T04:08:00.000-07:00

Kindermusik will NOT meet on Thursday, April 28 due to the storms that Rome & Berry experienced on Wednesday, April 27.

We will make-up classes on Thursday, May 5.

Spring classes end & Maymester begins

2011-04-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

The end of Spring 2011 Kindermusik classes is as follows:

Kathryn's classes end on Thursday April 28 and Monday May 2. The Beyond Kindermusik classes will have their sharing day on Thursday April 28 in the Ford Auditorium. Children should arrive no later than 4:00 p.m & will be given a Kindermusik shirt to wear. Families will join us at 4:30 for our performance. Refreshments will follow in the Ford quadrangle, near the reflection pools.

Kay's classes will end on Thursday April 28 and Monday May 2.

Wendy's classes will end the week of May 2. Her Friday classes will continue through May 13 due to being out on Good Friday.

Maymester classes begin on Tuesday May 10. Classes run for 5 weeks. Here is the availability of each class:

Village at 9:30 (7 spaces remain); Musical Beginnings at 10:30 (4 spaces left);

Musical Beginnings at 5:45 p.m. (6 spaces left) & Village at 6:30 p.m. (4 spaces left).

Musical Beginnings is for ages 18 months - 3 years. Village is newborn to 18 months.

More on summer classes & fall registration soon.

Summer means swimming!

2011-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

What do these girls have in common?
They are both Kindermusik grads and they both swim competitively! Kate & Anna met in Kindermusik, later they were on the same swim team. Anna has since moved, but Kate still keeps in touch via email & they attended swim camp together last summer

Summer means the pool, the beach, and the lake. Your child may not be ready for competitive swimming, but you want to make sure they are safe in the water. Here are some places in Rome to get your child prepared for the water.

Jodi Beard recently became a certified infant aquatics instructor. Little Fins is the name of the program. The highlights include:

teach infants & toddlers from 6 months to 4 years to survive aquatic accidents
instill a lifelong love of water for your child

You can learn more about the program here. Or give Jodi a call at 706-853-1603.

Another option for learning to swim and improving skills is to take lessons with Sherry Blackwell. Sherry offers lessons for ages 2 -5 at her home pool. Sherry is a former lifeguard and swim instructor. The class size is limited so that your child will receive hands-on individual attention. Sherry's classes are in the late afternoon and early evening throughout the summer months. Her location is in Lindale, Georgia. Call Sherry at 706-346-3369

Once your child can swim 25 yards without assistance and is at least 7 years of age, contact Three Rivers Swim Club to refine your skills. TRSC offers mini-sessions throughout the year to help children master the strokes. The mini-sessions are 3 days a week for 3 weeks, 1 hour sessions. The classes are typically limited to 12 children.

Music events at Berry College

2011-04-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

The semester is winding down for Kindermusik, and the students at Berry College. In the music department that means performances. Here are some performances you may want to attend, with or without your child.

Berry Jazz Ensemble - Thursday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. Ford Auditorium
Berry Concert Choir - Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 p.m. Ford Auditorium - Dvorak, Te Deum
Berry Singers - Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. Ford Auditorium - Pirates of Penzance
Berry Wind Ensemble - Thursday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. Ford Auditorium - Band Classics
Oak Hill Symphony Concerto Winners Concert - Monday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. Ford Auditorium

Want to attend the theater? - Eurydice opens on April 7 at 8 p.m. in E. H. Young Theater Admission is $7 except opening night when it is $5.

Should you take your child? I would not encourage taking a child under the age of 5 to any of the above concerts. The exception is plan to sit in the back, and make a quiet exit when your child becomes wiggly and/or talkative. Asking young children to sit quietly & listen to an hour long performance is not a reasonable expectation.

Any of the above performances would make a lovely date night!

Petting Zoo at Berry

2011-03-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Next week is Agricultural Heritage Week at Berry College.

What does that mean for you? Petting Zoo on the Krannert Lawn on MONDAY, MARCH 28

You can also view lots of farm equipment as you enter the Berry gates. This will spark lots of conversation among your children.

Here's is the line-up for the whole week:

Monday:

Petting Zoo on Krannert Lawn

11am-1pm

(Come see bunnies, lambs, calves, and other animals!)

Tuesday:

AG Heritage Games on Krannert Lawn

11am-1pm

Wednesday:

Rent-A-Puppy on Krannert Lawn

10:30am-1:30pm

Thursday:

Cookout on Krannert Lawn

Starting at 5pm and going until the Berry Angus Burgers run out!

Friday:

Roping Demonstration on Krannert Lawn 10am-12pm

And later on Friday Night...

Bull Riding at the Gunby Equine Center starting at 8pm

2011-03-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here are a few updates as Kindermusik of Berry College wraps up spring classes:

Ms. Wendy's classes will NOT meet the week of March 28 – 31.

If you want to make – up a class, you are welcome to attend a different class, but be aware that not all classes will meet the week of March 28. The spring class schedule is listed at the end of this post.

Summer classes are set & the brochure can be found outside the Kindermusik room & online

PLEASE DO NOT let your child push the RED, Emergency button in the elevator! Security is getting annoyed! I realize children don't know what they are pushing, just make sure to monitor which button they push.

Stay with your child as you enter & exit the building. I know kids like to run ahead & hide, but they forget to remain quiet and there are classes & rehearsals taking place. ALSO, the rain will occasionally cause dangerous depressions in the ground next to buildings, so this is for your child's safety as well.

There are 7 weeks remaining in the spring semester, classes will end the last week of April or first week of May…depending on your teacher.

The fall class schedule will come out by the first of April, this will allow you to plan ahead.

Maymester classes begin the week of May 10, many classes will fill early…so make your selection and turn in your registration. $5 discount if you pay by May 1.

Spring 2011 class schedule

classes continue through end of April, first of May

Village (newborn - 18 months)

Monday 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday 9:15 a.m.

Thursday 9:30 a.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! (ages 3 1/2 - 5)

Monday 5:30 p.m. (music library)

Thursday 11:00 a.m.

Friday 10:15 a.m.

Young Child, semester 2 - green folder

Tuesday 3:40 p.m.

Thursday 5:15 p.m.

Have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy the warmer temperatures.

Gardening Time

2011-03-07T11:56:00.001-08:00

I think we can all agree that Berry College has a beautiful campus. Well, this is your chance to share in the beauty. You can purchase garden perennials & herbs THIS Friday, March 11 in the Horticulture Greenhouses! This will allow you to put Berry-grown plants in your garden over the weekend. For those of you who are not yet familiar with the location of the Horticultural Services Greenhouses, they are located behind the Ford Complex, near the Westcott building, adjacent to the baseball diamond.

Items for sale this year will include:

Culinary herbs will include Lemon Grass, Mint, Fern leaf Dill, Chives, Oregano, Fennel, Cilantro, Parsley, Thyme, and Stevia, the Sweet Herb. Lavender is also available, in a heat and drought tolerant variety called ‘Purple Elegance’.

Garden perennials including Hosta, pink Bleeding Heart, and Columbine, will be offered.

New this year are three varieties of Lenten Rose, ‘Pink Frost’, ‘Silver Moon’, and ‘Champion’. Perovskia, the Russian Sage is here, as well as Daylily, and Wojo’s Gem Vinca Vine, too.

Every garden needs a Coreopsis, and we have the thread-leaf variety ‘Zagreb’. Returning after many years of absence are the Veronicas. An old-fashioned favorite, the blooming spikes of bright blue ‘Royal Candles’ or the raspberry pink ‘Red Fox’ deserve a place in your perennial border. Veronica flowers are strong

and weather-proof, so don’t miss these favorites. The

Hosta offerings will include three easy, shade-loving varieties, and Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’ is here for dependable, summer-long color. Often requested, the Eucalyptus is here! This tender perennial may not live forever, but the interesting habit a

nd delightful scent makes it a fun addition to your garden. Don’t miss it!

WE’LL SEE YOU THERE! HAPPY GARDENING!

Spring is on the Way

2011-03-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

The weather has been wonderful the past few weeks (with the exception of stormy Monday!), and Spring is right around the corner. Many of the area schools will be observing Spring break, and you are wondering "what about Kindermusik and the breaks?"

Berry College is on Spring Break the week of March 14 -18, but Kindermusik classes WILL MEET that week.
Kathryn's & Kay's classes will meet every week through the end of April, no spring break.
Wendy will observe spring break the week of March 28 - April 1.
Kathryn's & Kay's classes end the last week of April, except for the Monday classes which will continue through May 3.
Wendy's classes end the first week of May.

If you are thinking about music in the summer, that information will be coming SOON! More about those classes & dates in my next post.

Classes CANCELLED Monday 2/28/11

2011-02-28T11:15:00.000-08:00

Due to the tornado watch and impending storms that are due in the Rome area this afternoon,

Kindermusik classes are CANCELLED

for the evening of February 28.

Kathryn & Kay's classes will be made up at a later date.

Sleep...is it important?

2011-02-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

If you have children, you are probably not getting enough sleep. You stay up late to pay the bills, do the laundry, or have adult time with your spouse. Even if you get to bed at a reasonable hour, your sleep is possibly interrupted by a child.

In her book, Different Learners, Jane M. Healy devotes several pages to discuss the importance of sleep. Though her comments are aimed at how lack of sleep affects children, I believe it also applies to adults. Here are some of the facts on sleep:

The brain is the first casualty when you aren't getting enough sleep.
Lack of sleep affects learning, memory, mood and attention problems.
It affects cognitive/emotional functioning.
Sleep restores mental energy that children use in school & adults need for work
A well rested student/adult has more brain power
Adequate sleep sharpens psycho-motor skills & coordination (e.g., athletics, handwriting, driving ability)

As a pianist it is a waste of time if I try to learn new music or practice when I am tired. My body needs to rest, and so does my brain. With proper sleep, my practice time becomes productive.

And on that note, I'm going to bed!

Whatever the Weather!

2011-02-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

The forecast calls for snow tonight & early tomorrow morning. Remember, if the Floyd County Schools are closed DUE to inclement weather, then Kindermusik will not meet.

HOWEVER, if the schools go in late...come on to class. ALSO, afternoon classes will meet IF the roads allow it...even if schools are closed for the whole day. It's supposed to warm up, so chances are the roads will be fine tomorrow afternoon.

I will send an email & leave a message on the office phone 706-233-4091. So check those if you are UNSURE.

What about the week we missed at the beginning of the semester? We will add a week to the end of the semester, so that all 15 weeks will be offered. If we miss another class on Thursday due to weather, we'll make that up too.

Blessed are the flexible. We can't change the weather!

Children at Play

2011-02-01T05:04:00.000-08:00

A child's work is to play. What do children need to accomplish their work? According to Jane M. Healy in her book, Different Learners, all that is needed is good imagination. "Children whose imaginations are alive don't even need toys - they can create a game out of whatever materials happen to be at hand or out of ideas alone." (p. 341) According to Albert Einstein, "imagination is more important than knowledge."

My daughter, Carrie, is one of those kids who could play with dirt. She could entertain herself for hours with only her thoughts. As a teenager, that can mean extra time in the bathroom as she does her hair in a variety of styles! When my children were young, I was told that you could give them a box and that would be just as good as the toy inside. Dr. Healy has this to say about toys, "a good toy is 90 percent child and 10% toy, but children's play today has those percentages reversed." (p. 341)

What do children learn through their play? They learn to interact with others, to recognize and solve problems, and to feel the sense of mastery that results. Today's children have games and sports galore, but they are structured and have adult imposed rules. They need to explore on their own. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods has a prescription for play. "Take your kids outside to walk on grass, not pavements, see the sky, inhale brain-restoring oxygen, soak up natural hormones stimulated by sunlight and roam freely in the natural world." Children seem to gain the most positive benefits from nature when they are permitted to explore and enjoy according to their own inclinations - not under the rule-based adult structure imposed on, for example, a soccer field.

In Kindermusik we are always asking the children for their ideas. We listen to sounds from the city: cars honking & sirens, then we give the children a paper plate or a hoop. They take the prop, and decide how to incorporate it into their play. The object is no long the major focus, but taking the object into play in which meanings and goals are assigned by him. Through these type of experiences the children discover that every object has unlimited possibilities, and their imagination stretched to new limits. A child's work becomes play when their imaginations are engaged

Beethoven and a 3 year old

2011-01-26T03:00:00.000-08:00

A friend sent me this video, and I have watched it numerous times. It is about 4 minutes and quite entertaining. Enjoy!

Benefits of Movement

2011-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Movement is a key component in any Kindermusik class. Children enjoy moving, in fact, it's hard to keep them still - at least until they become teenagers! Today I'm going to share some benefits of movement that I learned reading Different Learners.

Movement, especially rocking, spinning or hanging upside down, helps develop the cerebellum. The cerebellum interacts with higher, frontal levels in the brain for cognitive skills such as language, social interactions, music, and attention. The brain seeks activities during key periods of development. The cerebellum has a large growth spurt during the first 2 years of life, yet continues to grow and change into adolescence, and that would answer why your child likes to spin and you don't!!

Exploring physical spaces through movement contributes to higher cognitive skills that depend on spatial abilities, including math, sciences, the arts and memory. In the Kindermusik class that movement includes navigating without bumping others.

Exercise & movement promote a healthy lifestyle, but did you know it also builds the brain? Here are some brain benefits of exercise:

Patterned movement (circle left, circle right, into the center, walk back out)replenishes brain cells
Vigorous, fast dance routines may quicken your & your child's overall speed of information processing!
makes the mind alert and increases attention and motivation
prepares and encourages nerve cells to bond to one another which helps log new information

Get moving and build your brain!

Kindermusik delayed again

2011-01-13T09:29:00.000-08:00

We follow the weather closings for Floyd County Schools, therefore no Kindermusik on Friday January 14.

Kindermusik will begin on Monday, January 17
even though it is Martin Luther King Day.

Still no Kindermusik, Thursday 1/13

2011-01-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

Kindermusik of Berry College will not meet on

Thursday January 13.

This is because we follow the county schools for weather closings.

So, once again, the start of classes are delayed.

Technology vs Human Interaction, part 2

2011-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Do you have the newest iPhone? iPad? Do you text more than talk? I saw a headline that said "2010, the year we stopped talking." I don't know the effect this will have on young children, but I guarantee that they still need face time & floor time. Much of what you will read in this post I learned from the book "Different Learners" by Jane M. Healy. Dr. Healy examines hot issues that include learning disabilities, ADHD, the hazards of forced early learning, and the influences of electronic media.

Most parents seek the best for their children, we want them to have every advantage in life. Technology certainly provides many opportunities to further educate and entertain our children, but be certain that technology isn't replacing YOU. Children need face time with a verbally responsive adult. This develops the brain circuits for social and communication skills. There must be a balance of wired and spontaneous, 3 dimensional, non-virtual experiences. (p. 312)

What about that spontaneous play? Is it important? Yes, because higher thinking centers of the brain use language known as "inner-speech or self talk" - to plan, monitor their own behavior and focus attention." ( Example: This block needs to go on top - careful, don't fall over). Screen time misses this critical developmental stepping stone.

Did you know that 3/4 of young children in the United States has TV on almost all the time? Whether they are watching it or understanding it or not, it interrupts brain building effects of their play. They switch their play to glance at the screen, and it interrupts the flow of their thought and attention. (p. 301)

What can you do as a parent?

Lend your child your adult brain as you watch or play.
Use conversation to expand understanding and help your child be critical media user

Lest you think that Dr. Healy is completely opposed to media: "after age 7, any medium that causes children to stop, think, plan, reflect or evaluate may improve thinking skills." (p. 312)

Of course, Kindermusik provides plenty of face time, floor time and parent/child interaction. So, sing and play everyday!

No Kindermusik on January 11

2011-01-11T14:34:00.001-08:00

Kindermusik classes will not be held on Tuesday, January 11 due to weather conditions. This is because we follow the county schools for weather closings.

Be safe, stay warm and stay tuned for when Kindermusik will FINALLY begin the new semester!

No Kindermusik on January 11

2011-01-10T18:35:00.001-08:00

Due to the weather, Kindermusik classes will not meet on Tuesday, January 11.

We anticipate Wednesday classes meeting on January 12.

No Class on Monday, January 10

2011-01-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

With the impending snow storm, and many schools closing, Kindermusik of Berry College will not hold classes on Monday, January 10. Classes will be held on January 17, which is Martin Luther King Day. Typically we cancel classes for MLK, but due to

the weather closing on the 10th, we WILL hold classes on the 17th.

A decision on Tuesday classes (January 11), will be made by Monday evening. There is a strong possibility that these classes will also be cancelled.

Technology versus Human Interaction

2011-01-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

Over the next several weeks I will be sharing information I gained from the book, "Different Learners." Jane M. Healy is a teacher, educational psychologist and one of my favorite authors. As an educator I appreciate her insight into the brain and how it relates to children. She makes a difficult subject easier to understand.

This post is about technology and it's affect on children & families. The book, Different Learners, covers more than just media. But Healy believes that the growing "epidemic" of children's disorders (ADHD, autism dyslexia, etc..) is the result of today's fast-paced, stressed-out culture - which includes too much screen time.

I admit to spending too much time at the computer...emailing, blogging, and reading. I am not a fan of television or video games. That being said, the TV is on at my house a lot, and we purchased our first gaming system this Christmas! I have 4 children, and the oldest is 22 years. They were VERY surprised to receive a Wii under the tree. I plan to blog about that later.

Dr. Healy seems to support my aversion to excessive screen time. Let me share some of what I learned.

"There is absolutely no way that any electronic gadget - no matter how advanced - can provide this incredibly valuable stimuli for normal brain development."(p. 71) The stimuli that she refers to is contingent response. It is a critical factor in successful development, and a key in normal interpersonal responses. Gentle, reassuring touch and love are the ideal. No manufactured item can substitute for human warmth.

I know videos, such as Baby Einstein are popular today. I have had children in Kindermusik who have watched these, and can identify instruments aurally due to these well crafted videos. I know there are definite advantages to videos and computer games. I am convinced that my older children are better at math because of computer games that had wonderful math skills. But according to Dr. Healy, "infant videos, electronic music soothing babies to sleep, beeping, flashing toys that "capture" the child's brain, but screen out human language. These technologies can't respond instinctively to a child's immediate needs." (p. 72)

Media is not bad, it's how we manage it. "The real question is how the device (anything on a screen) is being used and whether the resulting brain changes are good or bad. In a hyper-tech climate, where good research lags far behind children's media usage, you have to become judge, role model and (if necessary) enforcer of your child's media health." (p. 297)

I will have several more posts concerning technology. Let me know your thoughts, and feel free to disagree.

Happy Kindermusik New Year

2011-01-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

I hope you and your family have had a great holiday season, and that you are excited about the possibilities of a new year!

The new semester of Kindermusik begins on January 10, 2011. If you are still considering signing up for a class, then please note that the following classes still have openings:

Village (newborn - 18 months)
Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. (1 space remains)
Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

Our Time (18 months - 3 years)
Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
Thursday at 10:15 a.m.

Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Imagine That (3 1/2 - 5 years)
ALL FULL

Young Child, semester 2 (4 1/2 - 7 years)space remains for returning or new students
Tuesday 3:40 p.m.
Thursday 5:15 p.m.

Young Child, semester 4
Tuesday 4:45 p.m. still have space for returning students

Beyond Kindermusik on Thursday afternoon still has space for returning students

Remember your space can only be reserved with a registration form & deposit of $60. You can put this in the drop box outside the Kindermusik room beginning Monday, January 3 or mail it to the address below.

Kindermusik of Berry College
P.O. Box 490001
Mt. Berry, GA 30149-0001

For a registration form go to www.berrycollegekids.com, click on Kindermusik and then download & print the spring brochure

Cookie Recipes

2010-12-09T11:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-30T11:03:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-18T12:07:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-16T18:22:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-30T15:32:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

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.
.

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

2010-08-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Details about your Kindermusik experience

2010-08-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Classes have begun at Kindermusik of Berry College! The first few weeks are a whirlwind of activity. New teachers, new friends, and new music. Sometimes it takes several weeks for children to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. What can you do?

Be on time for class.
Leave toys and food at home or in the car.
Be patient and encouraging.
Have fun in class, and your child will follow your lead.
Unless you are expecting an important call, turn your phone off when you come to class.
Focus on your child during class, and save conversation with grown-ups for later.
Play the music at home and in the car.
Incorporate activities from class into your daily routine. Your family activity book or card has lots of ways to do this.

Remember all children are different, and your child may not participate the same as others. Your child may wander or just observe, but they are absorbing the atmosphere and are learning.
You may need to stand up with your child, while others are sitting. You may need to find a new way to rock or move. Find a way to participate with your child.

For those with older children, you may notice that they respond differently when you come for sharing time. This is part of being an independent learner. Try not to judge your child. Do correct disruptive behavior that is inappropriate such as loud talking, angry outbursts or struggling with a sibling who enters. Once class is over, tell the child what you enjoyed about being in class with them. Put the accent on the positive that you want to see repeated.

IMPORTANT DETAILS ABOUT BEING AT BERRY:

The college students return on August 23, with a record freshman enrollment of 660. This means more cars in the parking lot, more students driving to class. BE CAREFUL in the parking lot and crossing the street.
Allow plenty of time to find a parking place and get to class. Once you arrive on campus, it will take you at least 5 minutes to get from the parking lot to the classroom.
The elevator is a great asset. Please help us keep the alarm from ringing or the help button from being pushed. Buttons are inviting to children, and they are low...but keep them from calling security! Let them push the "floor" buttons, but stay away from the red & yellow ones!
Please use quiet voices and walking feet as you enter the building. First floor where you access the elevator is full of offices. Once on third floor there are college classes in session. If you have to take your child in the hall during class because he or she is crying, go to the north end of the hallway or the restroom to avoid disrupting classes.
In case of severe weather, Kindermusik follows the Floyd County Schools. If the Floyd county schools are closed due to inclement weather, then Kindermusik will not meet. If the county cancels classes after 2 p.m., you will need to call the Kindermusik office concerning afternoon and evening classes, OR check for an update on the blog.
Kindermusik of Berry College does not follow a specific school system for breaks, so teachers will announce these to individual classes. There will also be announcements on the blog. No classes on Labor Day. Monday classes will make those up the week of Thanksgiving.

If you have questions or concerns about anything in class, talk with your child's teacher.
You can always email me at knobles@berry.edu for a quick response to general questions, or leave a message at 706-233-4091.

We are glad you have chosen Kindermusik, it's a great way to enhance your child's life through music.

Fall classes coming soon, several are FULL

2010-08-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-20T16:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-06T17:49:00.001-07:00

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.

Summer session underway

2010-06-18T19:21:00.001-07:00

Kindermusik of Berry College summer classes are now in session. Week one is complete with many new families enjoying music together.

The Village classes (newborn - 18 months) are at capacity! One of the goals for this age group is to introduce new songs and activities to the parents so they incorporate them into everyday life. Many families will also create new and lasting friendships in these classes.

Our other weekly classes are Musical Beginnings (18 months - 3 years) & Family Time (all ages together). The theme for these classes is "Let's Play." The curriculum includes favorites such as trains, the playground, teddy bears & toys. As you visit the playground this summer, try singing the "swinging" song or sing as you climb up the ladder to the slide. Your home activity magazine has numerous creative ideas for you to use at home. Kindermusik CD's are usually in the car, but I encourage you to bring it in the house and enjoy it there too!

Many people think of Kindermusik as an activity for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, but Kindermusik of Berry offers many classes for older children. This week was Orffestrations camp. Children participating were ages 7 - 12, and they used Orff instruments to accompany songs and rhymes. Goals for the week included: listening, critiquing, cooperation, and creativity. There is also singing, movement and playing instruments.

Here we are discussing the balance of instruments as we accompanied a rhyme. The drums were loud, and the children had to find an instrument that would compliment the drum. We finally decided on maracas.

Ricky & Parker trying sandblocks instead of drums to accompany the rhyme, Little Miss.

Ricky, Mallory & Kenzi trying out the shakers.

Working with a partner doing hand claps. It's not as easy as it looks!

Meggi, Anna Kate, Mallory, and Ricky playing the recorder for Frere Jacque. Kate is the class assistant.

Ryan & Kenzi playing the bass metallophone.

Xylophone players: Samuel, Joshua, & Parker.

Here's video of our partner claps, to the tune of Take Me Out To The Ballgame. We worked on this all week with different partners trying to keep a steady beat and getting the pattern just right! This activity was the prelude to our pantomime baseball game. We listened to Brahms Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5 in g minor and then choreographed our movements. I don't have a video of this activity, but it was definitely a favorite that asked for every day!

One of activities this week included a rhyme called Queen Queen Caroline. The first day the children learned the rhyme & added unpitched instruments to each phrase. On day two we learned a melody to make the rhyme a song. Once we knew the song we added the bass metallophone for accompaniment to our singing, we called this the "A" part. We added a "B" part that was spoken rhyme. Our form was ABA, or ternary. On the third day I taught the children the melody, so that everyone could play it on the barred instruments. This was quite a challenge, but the children did a great job. The video here shows the children practicing the 2 parts. The words are:

Queen Queen Caroline

Washed her hair in turpentine

Turpentine made is shine

Queen Queen Caroline

The B section is - "what's in her hair...I don't know"

Kindermusik is not a performance based program, but our Orff class did perform for our families on the last day. But, in true Kindermusik fashion we also let the parents do a few activities with us. It was a great week with some fun kids. Orff camp is not always advertised, but it's offered every summer. Put it on your list of things to do next year!

Berry Beautiful

2010-05-27T19:39:00.001-07:00

Berry College is a delightful place to spend some time with your family, or by yourself. Kindermusik is a great reason to come to Berry, but make time to come and explore more of the campus.

The newest addition is Kilpatrick Commons. This area is located between the Krannert Center and the Cage Center. When you get to the round about (flagpole circle), go south and Krannert is the first building on the left, the Cage is the 2nd building on the left. Find a place to park, and get out and explore this lovely outdoor venue. The kids will love the fountains, the waterfall and the bridge. The adults can enjoy some solitary moments to sit in the rockers on the porch of Krannert that overlooks the area.

So, after Kindermusik class or any other beautiful spring day, check out Kilpatrick Commons.

I would also encourage you to walk across the street to the Science Building...it is directly across from Krannert and has a pendulum in the foyer. This is fascinating, but go upstairs and look at the incredible photos from America's Best Idea - the National Parks! These are not small photos, but humongous photos that will have you ready to pack your bags! Intrigued by the National Parks, then read my other blog.

Summer classes

2010-05-18T07:42:00.001-07:00

Our Maymester classes are in full swing, and that means summer is just around the corner. If you plan to register for a summer class I would ask that you email me (knobles@berry.edu) concerning availability.

Here are a few pictures of our musical Maymester!

Many of the classes for newborns - age 18 months & 18 months - 3 years are full or almost full.

All the camps for ages 3 and up have space available, but are filling quickly.
Family Time has had a great response, and we are making decisions this week about the choices you will have (look for an email soon).
If you have already registered you will receive a confirmation email this week OR it may be in your inbox now.

If Kindermusik isn't in your summer plans, then make sure to register for fall classes before the price increase. The brochure comes out the first of June, but you can get current prices if you have the pre-registration form. If need the form, email me and I'll send it as an attachment. Even if you pay the deposit by May 31, you will get the current prices...so decide on your fall class and send in your registration today.

Dinner's ready

2010-05-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

The following recipes are from three Thursday morning Kindermusik moms. They were waiting in the hall while their children were in Imagine That! and the subject was "what to have for dinner." They agreed to bring a few of their favorite recipes to share with one another. Now, I willl share a few of their "easy to make, my kids love these" recipes with you.

Baked Ziti with Sausage - from Susan Lataif

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb. Italian sausage, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 can (14 1/2 oz) petite diced tomatoes
salt
1 lb. ziti or penne
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c. grated parmesan chees
2 T. minced fresh parsley leaves

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush 13 X 9 inch baking dish with 1 T. oil Cook sausage in large skillet over medium heat until browned, 5 - 6 minutes. Transfer sausage to bowl.

2. Drain all but 1 T. fat from skillet, add remaining 1 T. oil and garlic, cook until fragrant but not brown, about 1 minute. Add crushed and diced tomatoes, return sausage to skillet, and simmer until thickened, 15 - 18 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

3. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add 1 T. salt and pasta. Cook until slightly underdone. Reserve 1/2 c. cooking water, drain pasta, and return to pot along with reserved water. Stir in tomato sauce.

4. Pour half of pasta into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of each cheese. pour remaining pasta into dish, sprinkle with remaining cheeses, and sprinkle with parsley. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from over and let rest for 5 minutes and serve.

Chicken Casserole - from Amy Diprima

Cooked chicken - shredded
2 cans veg-all
1 can mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
chicken broth
1 stick butter
1 c. self-rising flour
1 c. milk

Cook chicken and shred into pieces (can cook small hen or buy one already cooked). Put chicken in 9 X 13 casserole dish. Drain two cans of veg-all and place on top of the chicken tin the casserole dish. Mix 1 can mushroom soup and 1 can cream of chicken soup together. Layer on top of the veg-all. Fill soup can with chicken broth and pour on top of casserole. In separate pan, melt 1 stick butter. Mix 1 cup self-rising flour with butter. Add 1 cup milk and mix well. Immediately pour over the casserole.Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes until bubbling and brown all over.

Chicken Enchiladas - from Stephanie Brooks

1 c. sour cream

1 can condensed fat free cream of chicken soup

12 flour tortillas shredded cheese

1 1/2 c. chopped cooked chicken

1 small onion

fajita seasoning mix

Cook 2-3 chicken breasts - cut up. Add chopped onion once the chicken is almost finished cooking. Then add fajita seasoning mix and follow directions for how much water to add. Chop chicken into bite size pieces. Mix sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Spoon about 3 T. of sour cream mixture down center of each tortilla. Add chicken and chees to each tortilla and roll up. Place in a greased casserole dish. Spoon sour cream mixture on top of tortilla. Top with cheese. Bake at 350 degress for 25- 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve with rice and re-fried beans.

End your meal with an easy chocolate cake...you make and bake in the same dish and it's so moist!

Wacky Cake - from Kathryn Nobles

4 1/2 T. cocoa

2 1/4 c. all purpose flour

1 t. salt

1 t. baking soda

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. water

1/4 c. vegetable oil

1 t. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all dry ingredients in a 13 X 9 baking dish. In a 2 cup measuring cup, mix the liquid ingredients, then slowly add to dry mixture in your dish. Stir, whisk or use a hand mixer until smooth. Bake for 25 minutes, cool and cut into squares.

Look for more favorite recipes over the summer, and feel free to share your favorite quick and easy meal.

Day in the Park

2010-04-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Kindermusik families enjoyed a few hours at Ridge Ferry Park Thursday morning.

We had a total of 12 families attend the playdate.

Siblings having fun at Ridge Ferry Park

Matthew, Sarah Beth, Belle & Bo.

All Kindermusik kids!

Sophia came with her grandma. Here she is taking a drive.

Lydia and her mom come down the slide.
After a few times with mom, Lydia was confident and did it on her own!

Avery getting ready to slide.

Lataif children could be found everywhere at the park!

Brock is all smiles on the slide!

Hunter hanging out

Friends - Mattie & Gracie

These girls & their families met through Kindermusik!

Priority Registration for Fall 2010

2010-04-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

It's April, you've finished your taxes and you're looking forward to summer. We are still enrolling for Maymester and Summer Kindermusik classes, but you can register for fall classes and SAVE money!

Next time you are at Kindermusik pick up a registration form, fill it out with your class choice for fall, and turn it in. The prices listed are good through May 30. After May there will be a price increase. To get the current prices, you need to pay your deposit ($60) and reserve a space for the fall classes.

There are further savings too! If you pay in full by June 15, you can deduct $15. If you miss that deadline you can still deduct $10 if you pay in full by July 15.

Do you have the curriculum from an older sibling, there's a deduction for that?
Are you enrolling siblings? You can deduct 10% off the total. Here's how that works: add the two classes together, if you can take a deduction for already owning the curriculum, subtract for the new total. NOW, you can take 10% for enrolling siblings. If you pay in full by one of the deadlines, that deduction is after the sibling discount. The early bird discount is per family because you are already getting a reduction for siblings!

Not sure about all these savings? Email me, I'm happy to help you with your Kindermusik math! Remember we also offer payment options for those who find it difficult to pay in one lump sum!

Berry Fun

2010-04-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

If you ask people in the Rome community where they like to go for some R & R, the answer is often Berry College. People enjoy driving around and looking at the deer, the cows, the ducks, and the beautiful campus. On a sunny weekend Berry is covered with bikers, hikers, lookers and lovers. Berry has acres & acres to explore.

The week of April 12 - 16 is AG week at Berry. This is a great time to come out and see one of the reasons Berry is unique: agriculture. As you drive on campus you can check out the farm equipment. Children love to look at the tractors! The AG department will also provide hands-on experience during the week. Here are a few of the activities:

Monday - come dressed as a cowgirl, cowboy or farmhand for free burgers. Not dressed up, burgers are $1. This is Berry beef! This event is held in the Clara Bowl from 6 - 8 p.m. The Clara Bowl is across from the Ford Complex....you can see the field from the Kindermusik room.

Wednesday - petting zoo. This is a favorite of all ages! At Krannert Center between 11 - 1, you can pet goats, horses, calves, and other farm animals. Krannert is just south of the circle when you enter campus.

Friday - roping games. Come try your hand at roping, as in steers! This is also on the lawn at Krannert between 11 - 1.

Did you know that Berry has an award winning dairy herd? You are invited to see the state of the art milking parlor & watch the process. Milking begins daily at 3:30 p.m. The dairy is past Ford on Rollins Road. Student workers will be feeding the new baby calves at the same time.

See you at Kindermusik, and maybe at the barn!

Young Child year two or .....

2010-04-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a scenario that happens frequently: My child has participated in Kindermusik for several years, and has completed the first year of the Young Child curriculum. Should I move them to private piano or violin instead of completing the Young Child sequence?

A child completing 1st year of Young Child is usually 5 or maybe 6 years old. Many piano teachers do not take students until they are 7. Violin teachers will take children at a younger age because their are instruments designed for smaller hands (1/4 and 1/2 size violins). What are the advantages of completing the Young Child sequence?

Kindermusik is a group activity and children enjoy making music with their peers.
Kindermusik includes many games that make it more than just learning a new song. The songs are just fun, they teach skills like ear training and form.
Kindermusik introduces the children to composers and styles of music through listening and moving to music. This doesn't happen in most private lessons.
The 2nd year of Young Child has the children playing a dulcimer and a recorder. The dulcimer is a string instrument, the recorder is a wind instrument - both require fine motor skills. Violin and piano are fine motor skill driven too.
Steady beat is continued to be reinforced in Kindermusik through ensemble playing. All music requires a steady pulse, but the group aspect of Kindermusik helps the children feel it easier than doing it on their own!
Ensemble playing is more prevalent in the 2nd year of Young Child, and this encourages listening. Is someone too loud? do we have a steady beat? can you hear the melody?

I have seen students leave the Kindermusik curriculum, take piano later with "holes" that have to be repaired. Students who continue through year two of Kindermusik have a solid foundation!

Is my child ready for Young Child?

2010-03-31T10:07:00.000-07:00

Kindermusik for the Young Child is for ages 4 1/2 - 7. It is the developmental leap to the school age child. Musically, it is the culmination of all that has come before.

In addition to movement, instrumental play, singing, and creating, the Young Child student begins to learn musical notation (notes & rhythms). Melodies are learned on the glockenspiel, which is a wonderful pre-keyboard instrument. Children who continue through all 4 semesters of the Young Child program are also given the opportunity to learn the dulcimer and the recorder.

As a piano teacher of over 30 years, I don't take students who have not been in the Young Child classes. WHY? Because the foundation given in Young Child makes the transition to the piano so easy. Children without that foundation don't have the same 'musical sense' or rhythm as those in Kindermusik.

A parent of three Kindermusik grads told Ms. Wendy that their children are musical because they came to Kindermusik. The oldest two children are both in the Rome High band, playing saxophone & trumpet. The third child is taking piano, and will be in the middle school band at Rome next year.

Here are some guidepost as you consider choosing Young Child.

exhibits self-confidence and reliability in a classroom or group situation
is interested in fine motor control activities - reproduces shapes, letters, enjoys puzzles, games and drawing.
follows directions and can participate in an activity with groups doing different things simultaneously
has good abstract thinking skills - can answer questions such as "how do you think a composer can make music sound like birds?
can sing whole songs, and is developing a good sense of pitch
is eager to learn, and is developing self-motivation
can work independently for short periods toward a set goal
is ready to begin understanding concepts of practice, proper handling of an instrument, and playing a tune as opposed to exploring ways of creating sound on an instrument.

Early elementary age children have many choices for extra curricular activities, and parents have to decide how to spend their money and their time. Kindermusik for the Young Child promotes learning and a lifetime skill, and Kindermusik...a good beginning never ends!

Around Town

2010-03-30T16:12:00.001-07:00

Here are a few upcoming events that I thought Kindermusik families might enjoy.

April 10 is the Rome High Night of Dreams. This is an adult event, and a very elegant evening of dining and dancing. The Rome High Jazz bands play, the students serve you dinner, dessert & coffee as you enjoy the music. This event will take place at the Forum and begins at 7 p.m. See one of your Kindermusik teachers for tickets. There is a silent auction that offers some very nice items, including a Kindermusik basket!

April 12 - 15 The Scholastic Book Fair will take place in the Cook Building at Berry College. It happens between 3:30 - 6 p.m. Monday - Thursday. These is a great opportunity to purchase books at a great discount. Directions to Cook - go around the circle, you are going south; go past the Cage Center (new athletic building) on the left. Turn right onto Martha Berry Circle North...the Cook Building is the 2nd building on the right. Once you pass Cook, you will have to turn right to get to the parking lot. The book fair takes place on the 1st floor.

April 17 is Waterfest sponsored by CRBI, and this year they have a concert featuring
Billy Jonas. (NOT the Jonas brothers from Disney Channel!). This concert is a fund raiser for CRBI, but also a fun family event. Jonas present family oriented, audience participation concerts around the country. We have tickets available for purchase when you come to Kindermusik. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for ages 6 - 18 and FREE for under 6!!! The concert will be helded at the Rome City Auditorium. Click here to hear Billy Jonas.

Moving from Our Time to Imagine That!

2010-03-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

Separates from adult without crying; enjoys interacting with peers.

Thinks creatively - has moved from "what animals do you know?" to "what might we see in our pretend tree?"

Recognizes the needs of others; can be empathetic; take turns (usually!), understand classroom rules and why they are important

Developing abstract language and thought - can sustain a pretend play and enjoy developing an idea for up to 5 minutes or more.

Can tell stories, relate a series of ideas, connect own experiences to those of others

Beginning to take turns - can accept "she is playing the woodblock, and you have the tambourine today"

Has broad movement vocabulary, and can explore the same movement in diverse ways ("What other parts of your body can twirl?")

Can sit and listen to a story or musical selection for several minutes, and comment on what they have heard.

Knows simple shapes, colors, weather, seasons, and is beginning to count

Participates in singing, and reciting rhymes.

Talk with your child's teacher and get her perspective...every child is unique!

March Winners

2010-03-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Alexa Kidney (Thursday Our Time) and Kaitlyn Mingledorff (Tuesday Young Child)were the winners in the March drawing.

This is the seventh in a series of drawings celebrating 20 years of Kindermusik at Berry College. Each month two names are drawn from the bucket. The first person receives $20 Kindermusik credit and a small gift for their child. The second person can choose one item from an assortment of instruments, CD's, or books.

Enter weekly, one entry per child that attends a Kindermusik class. The drawings will continue through April 2010, just one more month to win. Congratulations to our March winners!

Hear an organ grinder at Berry, March 27

2010-03-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

Bring the kids and come out to Berry College for the annual Arts & Crafts festival. It's happening on Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. You can check out the vendors - current students & alumni, all selling their wares. You can also see an organ grinder!

Master organ grinder Ted Guillaum will be playing his Raffin 20/40 street organ at the festival. Anyone attending will be invited to sing, dance, listen, choose a song he or she would like to hear, or try cranking the organ (how hard can it be?). Mr. Guillaum will also be happy to answer any questions about organ grinding or mechanical music that you may have. Click here to see a video from last year and learn more.

The festival will be held on the lawn in front of the Moon building. At the circle, head south - past the Cage Center and Moon building is on the left (next to the Cage Center). Paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more will be available for your inspection and purchase!

Learning Links

2010-03-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

One of our activities from Away We Go (Kindermusik Our Time) explores moving to music that is bumpy and smooth. We sing the song Floating Down the River, and we use hoops for our boats. The children and adults rock gently in their "boats." Then the music/words change and bodies begin to bounce, hoops bounce, children jump in their hoops. It's an obvious change - aurally and visually because of the music. This is how children experience legato and staccato - music terms for smooth and bumpy. The children in this class are 18 months - 3 years old.

When the children are 4 1/2 they can come to Kindermusik for the Young Child. Last week the children in a Young Child class listened to music that was staccato and legato. We used the music terms, and they saw the written words. They also moved with their bodies to music that incorporated staccato and legato. Another activity included drawing to music incorporating that same sound. Their pictures looked like dots and long flowing lines. They listened, moved, drew, and read about these musical terms of expression

Kindermusik links the learning throughout all of the curricula. This insures that "a good beginning never ends."

Music for 7 - 10 year olds!

2010-03-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

Orffestrations - it's not listed in a brochure for the summer 2010 classes, but if your child is ages 7 - 10 they can enroll in this special music experience. No prior experience is necessary, but a love of music is required.

What is Orffestrations? It is a music and movement class that takes songs and "orffestrates" them using various instruments. We use drums, barred instruments (xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels), woods, metals and an occasional recorder.

What will my child gain from this camp? Ensemble skills (needed for band & chorus), listening skills (needed in life!), rhythmic & melodic reading, and creativity. All this while making music with friends!

You can check here to see an example from last year's class.

How do you enroll? Email me at knobles@berry.edu and I'll give you the address where you can mail your payment. The cost is $70. (Pay by May 1 and deduct $5)
Orffestrations is offered June 14 - 18 from 10 - noon. Class will meet in the Kindermusik room on the Berry College campus.

Piano intro camp

2010-03-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

Journeys is for children ages 6 -8 to explore the piano and the recorder in a concentrated study. The children get an introduction to the piano using the Yamaha Clavinova Lab in the Berry College Music Department. The focus is on becoming familiar with the keyboard using proper technique.

Recorder playing is also included in this camp, as it encourages fine motor skills, and gives the children the opportunity to learn another instrument.

To add spice to our time together the children enjoy adding percussion instruments to books. This ensemble time encourages cooperation, listening, and lots of fun!

This class will help you decide if child is ready for piano study. Students that plan to enroll in Beyond Kindermusik in the fall are encouraged to take this class.

This camp will be offered June 21 - 25 and July 12 - 16 from 10 - noon. Cost is $70. Class is limited to 8 children. You do not have to have a piano at home to enroll in this fun summer camp! Register by May 1 and deduct $5

Kamp Kindermusik, ages 4 1/2 - 7

2010-03-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

Are you looking a camp that will be fun, educational and include lots of music making? Then come to Kamp Kindermusik. This camp is for children ages 4 1/2 - 7 and will be held 3 consecutive weeks beginning June 21. The class meets from 10 - noon in the historic Ford Complex on the Berry College campus.

This year the camp is Jumping Beans, music from Latin America. We'll explore sounds from the rain forest, dance to La Cucaracha, play a pan flute and learn some Spanish. Activities include singing songs, instrument play, dramatic play, moving to music, stories, crafts and snacks. This class will also have a time of piano exploration.

Materials include a home CD, music magazine, and a pan flute. Class is limited to 12 children. The cost is $75 (all materials included). Camp activities are the same each week. You may choose from the following weeks:

June 21- 25

June 28 - July 2

July 5 - 9

Register by May 1 and deduct $5.

Summer music for 3 - 4 1/2 year olds

2010-03-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

If you have been in Our Time classes, and your child has recently turned 3 or will have a birthday in the next few weeks - consider Growing with Music camp this summer.

This class is a transition for you child to the next level of Kindermusik. One the major differences is that the parent doesn't participate in the class until the last 15 minutes, thus it is a weaning process from your care/supervision.

The summer classes are offered June 14 - 18 and July 12 - 16 from 10 - 11:15 a.m. The children will sing, play instruments, and move to music while enjoying stories and rhyme. There is a snack served each day during the camp. Themes for the week include circus music, indians, teddy bears and farm animals. There is a limit of 8 children per class and the cost is $45. Register by May 1 and deduct $5.

If you are looking for more music, then you could consider Musical Beginnings during the Maymester (see post on 3/10/10), and then enroll in a camp for summer. Fall classes for this age group is called Imagine That! and follows a similar format to the summer camp.

Family Time this Summer

2010-03-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

Do you have multiple children of varying ages? Do you want to do Kindermusik with all of them, but don't have the time for separate classes? This summer you can do it all in ONE class...called Family Time. This class is for families who want to be in class together. You will enjoy a variety of musical learning experiences. Your family will laugh together, share, take turns and let music be that special bonding time.

This summer the music and activities are based on playing. Playing with friends, with family, with toys, with animals, and of course with music! Materials include a family guide magazine for the curriculum, Let's Play, a CD, tambourine and egg shakers to enjoy at home.

The class meets for 45 minutes on Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. beginning June 15 for five weeks. Cost is $100 for 2 children; $125 for 3 children. The class is limited to six (6) families. Register by May 1 and deduct $5.

Pick up a green or blue flyer when you come to Kindermusik class week, the registration for Family Time is on the green or blue sheet.

May & Summer sessions for 18 month-3 year old

2010-03-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

During the academic year this age group is known as "Our Time." Our summer classes use a different curriculum and we refer to the toddler group as "Musical Beginnings."

Kindermusik of Berry College will offer 2 sessions: one in May and another beginning June 14th. Although we will use the same curriculum for both sessions, you are welcome to register for both. Children enjoy and learn from repetition. A fee reduction is given if you choose both sessions.

Musical Beginnings (18 months - 3 years) curriculum will be "Let's Play." The class is for toddlers and their adult companion. During the class we'll sing, play instruments, move to music, use scarves and hoops, and enjoy finger plays. This summer the music and activities are based on playing with friends, toys, and animals.

Home materials include: A family guide magazine for Let's Play, a CD and a tambourine to enjoy making music at home. Cost is $65 (includes all materials) for the five week session. Class is limited to 12 children. If you attend both sessions, the cost is $105. Class length is 30-35 minutes. Register by May 1 and deduct $5 AND get a FREE CD!!!

Maymester classes will meet on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. OR 5:45 p.m. Maymester begins May 4.

Summer session classes begin June 14, and has the following choices:

Monday OR Wednesday 9:00 a.m.
Monday 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday 6:30 p.m.

Priority registration for our current families is available until March 25. Registration will continue until classes are full, but space is limited. Space is reserved with your payment.

Maymester & Summer Village classes

2010-03-08T18:17:00.000-08:00

Maymester sessions PLUS Summer classes for Village

Kindermusik Village (newborns - 18 months) curriculum will be "Busy Days". Each lesson features new activities and songs you can sing for all the places you go together - the store, the playground, the doctor, and more!

Home materials include: Busy Days CD, board book, parent information and an instrument (cage bell). Cost is $85 (includes all materials) for the five week session. Class is limited to 10 children. If you attend both sessions, the cost is $140. Class length is 45 minutes. Register by May 1 and deduct $5 AND get a FREE CD!!!

Maymester classes will meet on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. OR 6:30 p.m. Maymester begins May 4.

Summer session classes begin June 14, and has the following choices:

Monday 6:30 pm
Tuesday OR Thursday 9:00 a.m.

Priority registration for our current families is available until March 25. Registration will continue until classes are full, but space is limited. Space is reserved with your payment.

Summer Schedule

2010-03-07T18:10:00.001-08:00

Pre-registration for our current Kindermusik families will begin this week. This means you can register before the summer brochures are mailed out. We call it PRIORITY registration.

NEW!! We are offering a Maymester for Village & Our Time ages. Those classes will begin on Tuesday May 4 and continue through June 1. There will be a morning & evening session. We will repeat the same curriculum in the summer, beginning June 14. If you want to do Maymester and summer, there is a fee reduction.

Camps for older children will be offered during various weeks in June & July. We will also offer Family Time this summer on Tuesday evenings.

I will put the various camps up on the blog all this week, so check back regularly. You can pick up a pre-registration sheet in class this week. Fill it out & bring your check to reserve your space!

KINDERMUSIK OF BERRY COLLEGE IS NOW ON FACEBOOK...become a FAN, and tell your friends!!!

Ms. Kay's spring break

2010-03-07T18:08:00.000-08:00

Ms. Kay WILL NOT meet her classes the week of March 15 - 19.

Originally she was going to meet her Monday class, but not the Thursday classes. That has been revised and none of her classes will meet that week. That is the week that Berry College is on spring break.

Spring break & Summer classes

2010-03-01T17:45:00.001-08:00

We had snow this week, but spring and summer will be here soon!

Every school system has a different spring break, which makes it difficult to coordinate with Kindermusik classes. Therefore, each Kindermusik teacher will make individual decisions concerning spring break for her classes. Please keep this in mind if you occasionally go to a different class.

I will NOT observe any spring break. So Kathryn's classes WILL meet every week with no breaks.
Ms. Kay will NOT meet her Thursday class on March 18, but Monday classes will meet EVERY week.
Ms. Wendy will NOT meet the week of March 22 - 26.
Classes have varying end dates, but should continue through the end of April.

The summer schedule is almost ready for publication. I hope you will plan to attend Kindermusik this summer. Don't want to clutter your summer? We are offering a special May session for Village and Our Time ages, each will have a different curriculum from the current class. The classes will meet for 5 weeks on Tuesday mornings or evenings. Look for a special preview/registration for current families before March 20. Registration for new families will begin March 30.

February Winners

2010-02-23T07:35:00.000-08:00

Rachel Clark (Village class with Ms. Kay) & Daniel Taylor (Our Time class with Ms. Wendy) are the winners for February . This is the sixth in a series of drawings celebrating 20 years of Kindermusik at Berry College. Each month two names are drawn from the bucket. The first person receives $20 Kindermusik credit and a small gift for their child. The second person can choose one item from an assortment of instruments, CD's, or books.

Enter weekly, one entry per child that attends a Kindermusik class. The drawings will continue through April 2010. Congratulations to our February winners!

President's Day

2010-02-13T18:35:00.000-08:00

It's President's Day,

It's President's Day

Let's Celebrate the President's Way.

That is the beginning of a speech ensemble created several years ago by a group of Kindermusik children.

Monday, February 15 is President's Day and many schools & businesses are closed. Kindermusik of Berry College WILL hold classes despite the federal holiday.

The exception to that may be if we have inclement weather. If the snow they are predicting visits on Monday, then call 706-233-4091 to find out if class will be in session.

January Winner & more...

2010-02-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit behind in my post... Aly Slade (Asa) & Emma Breithaupt are the winners for January. This is the fifth in a series of drawings celebrating 20 years of Kindermusik at Berry College. Each month I will draw two names. The first person receives $20 Kindermusik credit and a small gift for their child. The second person can choose one item from an assortment of instruments, CD's, or books. Enter weekly, one entry per child that attends a Kindermusik class. The drawings will continue through April 2010, so you have FOUR more chances to win.

There are several community events that your family may wish to participate. This Saturday, February 6 is the dance concert "Footsteps in Faith". This will take place at the City Auditorium on Broad Street. There are performances at 10, 1, 4 & 7. The performances are free and open to the public. You may see a Kindermusik friend or family member on stage!

Saturday, February 13 is the 2nd meeting of the Mt. Berry Square Mall Kid's Club. This is a free club for ages 4 -8. Each month features a different activity. Kindermusik was there in January (the weekend it snowed!). The February meeting will feature the Rome Area Council for the Arts. They will have hands on activities for the children. The mall has lots of freebies for attending too! There are registration forms for the Kid's Club outside the Kindermusik room. Fill out a card and take it to the mall next Saturday. The meeting is from 10 - 11 a.m. outside of Belk.

Twice is Nice is coming soon! This is Rome's Oldest children's consignment sale. The sale begins February 9th. This year's location is at the old Office Depot on Shorter Avenue (next to Big Lots). Check it out at www.twiceisnice.biz

Do you know of an upcoming event that families would enjoy? Let me know, I'll be glad to add it to my posts.

Spring into Kindermusik!

2010-01-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

Kindermusik classes have begun for the spring 2010 session, and we already have a holiday. No classes will meet on Martin Luther King Day, January 18. Monday classes will resume on January 25.

Many of our classes are full, which is a wonderful - unless you had a friend that wants to enroll : ( Currently we have space in the following classes:

Village - Thursdays at 9:30 - 2 spaces

Our Time - Tuesday at 9:30; Wednesday at 10:15; Thursday at 6:30 p.m. - several in each class.

Imagine That - Mondays at 5:30 - 2 spaces; Friday at 10:15 - 4 spaces;

Though we refer to this as spring semester, it is winter and that can cause weather related closings. Berry College will often have classes when other schools are closed. That is because it is a resident community. If the Floyd County schools are closed due to inclement weather, then Kindermusik will NOT meet. The exception: if the weather is a "non-event" and the schools close anyway (as a precaution) - then Kindermusik classes may meet as scheduled. How will you know? You can check the blog - I'll update it for weather issues or call the office (706-233-4091) and listen for a new message related to the weather.

Do you have a way you use the Kindermusik home materials with your child? I would love to hear about it and share it here on the blog. Email me your story at knobles@berry.edu

Kid's World at Mt. Berry Square featuring Kindermusik

2010-01-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

A new program is being launched at the Mount Berry Square mall in January called Kid's Club. It is a free club that children ages 4-8 can join & the meetings will be the 2nd Saturday of every month in the morning. Each meeting will feature an educational theme. Kindermusik will be the focus of the first meeting, January 9 at 10:00 a.m.

Kid's Club is going to be educational for the parents, and the Kindermusik will be fun for everyone. Kindermusik is best when it is experienced. I can tell you about the activities, but most folks "get it" when they participate. But, you are probably wondering what will we do at 10 a.m. on a Saturday morning at the mall? Here are some things we will do:

Children enjoy marching, galloping, and tiptoeing as a drum tells them how to move and when to stop. We call this talking drum. The children enjoy anticipating when they will stop and how they will move. It's a movement activity, but it's also an listening exercise!
We will ask the children to listen to specific sounds...like a siren and a foghorn. High & low are the first steps in pitch discrimination. We'll make those sounds with our voices - voice exploration. We may try out some instruments that might re-create those sounds. Then we will listen to a musical example that uses high & low, and then move to the music - moving our bodies high & low.
There will be plenty of instrument play. We will use drums, shakers, and metal instruments to create an ensemble. This will allow the children to use their listening skills in a group setting,and hear the various timbres produced by different instruments.

We will meet outside of Belk, so please use the entrance closest to the store.

The Kid's Club is designed for ages 4 - 8, but Kindermusik is a family affair - so feel free to bring the family. Remember this program is free and will be offered the 2nd Tuesday of every month! Kindermusik of Berry College is the inaugural program, so make sure you join us.

We'll even have a special drawing on Saturday! So, if you haven't won in our monthly "20 years" drawing, you have another chance this Saturday, January 9 at the mall!!

We interrupt this blog

2009-12-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

to bring you a favorite recipe! I know everyone is busy with holiday festivities and family, but I wanted to share a couple of recipes that are popular at my house. I love to bake, and I wanted to share with my blog readers something besides music.

Yeast Bread

1 T. yeast

1/2 c. warm water

1 T. sugar

1/2 c. oil

2 c. milk & 2 T. vinegar OR lemon juice

1/2 c. or less sugar

1/2 t. baking soda

5 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

6 c. all-purpose flour (extra as you mix)

Dissolve yeast & 1 T. sugar in warm water, Add remaining ingredients in a large bowl. You will probably need to stir in extra flour to get the consistency dough like. You can either continue mixing and kneading in the bowl OR on a floured surface. Place dough in a gallon ziploc bag that has been sprayed with cooking spray ( or greased with crisco). Squeeze air out of the bag, so the dough can expand. Dough can be refrigerated for up to TWO weeks. Pull out as needed for dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls or pizza dough. Bake at 400. No need to rise. Prep time is 15 minutes.

This is a staple at my house, and so easy to make. I no longer buy frozen dinner rolls or crescent rolls. My kids can make their own pizzas by adding pizza sauce, cheese and other toppings. Of course my kids are older (ages 11 - 21)!

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

12 ice cream sandwiches

1/2 c. hot fudge topping, warmed

jello pudding mix - chocolate

cool whip - thawed and divided in 1/2

8 oreos - chopped

Warm fudge and whisk in 1 cup of cool whip. Add pudding mix and stir well. Add chopped oreos cookies. On a 24 inch sheet of foil, place 4 ice cream sandwiches side by side. top with 1/2 of topping. Repeat. After placing last 4 sandwiches on top, frost with reserved cup of cool whip. Fold foil to make a tent and freeze for 4 hours. Prep time is 20 minutes.

This is an easy treat, and often requested by the Nobles children as their birthday cake. I have never made this cake in the summer, always in December!!

Awesome Apple Bread

1 cup oil

3 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

3 cups apple, chopped

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. soda

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Mix oil, eggs, sugar, vanilla and apple in large mixing bowl. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Bake in loaf pans (2 regular or 5 small) at 350 degrees for 25 - 35 minutes, or until knife comes out clean. Prep time is about 20 minutes.

This is a wonderful breakfast bread, or for snacking during the day. I make this in small loaf pans and give it as a gift. You can also make apple bread muffins. This freezes well, and you can take it out as needed.

Happy baking and Merry Christmas!