Your Kindermusik Experience!

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR KINDERMUSIK EXPERIENCE

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 to make it the best experience?

• Be on time for class.  I realize parking can be an issue. After 5 pm you can park in any lot!
• Leave toys and food at home or in the car.
• Be patient and encouraging. 
• Think, say: how many ways can we....play the sticks, move high, move low, wave our hand, etc...  Your suggestion, then they get an idea of their own, this is called scaffolding!
• Have fun in class, and your child will follow your lead.
• Some children are observers.  The class is where they soak it in, and then later it comes pouring out!
• 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 (Imagine That or Young Child), 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.

If you miss a class you are welcome to make it up on another day/time.  Unfortunately some classes don't have that option...especially the evening classes.  It would be helpful if you could email about making up a class, just so we know you are coming.  It is not imperative, but encouraged.  

Experienced Moms Speak!

When it comes to parenting you can read books, but today I have advice from Moms who have been in the trenches and come out with well balanced kids!  I asked former Kindermusik moms to tell me what they wish they had NOT stressed over and the experiences they would encourage.

Don't stress over:

1. Potty training - they won't go to kindergarten in a diaper. 

2. Schedules - while routines are very important, don't miss out on a fun experience because of a your set schedule.
3. Behavior - it is not always a reflection of your parenting. Preschoolers can do odd and funky things, it doesn't mean they have psychological problems or you are doing something wrong as their parent!
4. Don't be afraid to say "this is what our family does or does not do."
5. Don't stress over what other families are doing.  Your family is unique. Do what is best for your family and your particular situation.
6. Don't worry about keeping your house clean.  Take out the diapers and keep the sticky off the floor, but play more than you pick up. Kathy said, "remember you rarely see the homes of toddlers in Southern Living!"

The "do" list is much longer:
1. Books - read to them to when they are little. Read with them when they can read on their own. Share articles and devotions with them as they enter the teen years.
2. Storytime at the library! Go and enjoy this special time with your kids, it will encourage life long learning.  Enroll in the summer reading program and make a big deal out of getting a cupcake from Honeymoon bakery!
3. Give them experiences rather than gifts! Plan a trip to the zoo, the aquarium, the park or to ride bikes.
4. Eat meals together and talk about your day - the good and the bad.
5. Teach them to swim - the world is 2/3 water
6. Go to their events, even when it means you have to change up your schedule!
7. Be silly.  Laurie said, "after weekly swim lessons we would go get biscuits at different establishments and rate them."
8. Share a love of nature and being outside.  Jackie said, "when my kids were getting on my nerves, we would go outside.  A change of scenery helped everyone's attitude."
9. Let them share in your world.  Allow them to help you, even if it would be easier to do it yourself. Let them tear the lettuce, stir in the chocolate chips, break the eggs, put wet clothes in the dryer, rake leaves, etc...
10. Listen to a variety of music. Take them to appropriate concerts, shows and to appreciate the arts.
11. Ride bikes together.  Kids may tell you things while riding side by side rather than looking at you.
12. Worship together regularly, they will never know it's not an option.

Thanks to Terri, Angie, Jennifer, Laurie, Kathy, and Jackie for their wisdom.
What would you add to the list?

Family Fun in the Fall!

Fall Fun for Families Activities around Rome Storytime at the Rome Floyd Library meets on Tuesday mornings at 10 and 11 a.m. Puppets, songs and stories for toddlers and preschoolers! Chiaha is coming! Rome’s favorite arts and crafts show is the weekend of October 22-23. Peach State Marching Festival is at Barron Stadium on October 22. Wings Over North Georgia Air Show – October 29-30 at Russell Field, but parking is off site with free shuttles.    Fine Arts at Berry offers many free concerts and shows. Click here for a calendar of events.  Copper Creek in Calhoun is an easy drive to enjoy family time on the farm with a corn maze. Trinity Methodist Church on Turner McCall has their annual Pumpkin Patch October 3 through October 31.  Pick out a pumpkin, gourd or grab a corn stalk for your fall decorating. Rome Little Theater's holiday show is Into the Woods!  It's a musical and Jack is played by Kindermusik grad and Coosa High sophomore, Zac Mitchell. Berry College theater is performing Charlie Brown Christmas. Performances are December 1 - 3 in the Krannert ballroom. Kindermusik registration for spring semester opens November 1

Bring Kindermusik to South Rome!

In 1989 I entered the world of Kindermusik.  I went for training that summer and started teaching a small group of children at the Child Development Center on the Berry campus. Fast forward 28 years (WHAT?) and I have 2nd generation kids in classes and have seen Kindermusik grads who continue their music into adulthood. The Kindermusik tag line, "a good beginning never ends" is one I believe. Kindermusik is more than just learning music, it's learning life skills through music.

When the education department at Berry College decided to partner with an under-served community, it made sense for Kindermusik to be a part of their education. The 3 year olds at the South Rome Early Learning Center (SRELC) thrive in the music presented via Kindermusik each week.  For many of the children, English is their 2nd language and the songs and books used in Kindermusik allow them an opportunity to practice their English skills.  Home materials are an important component in the program, so the learning continues with their families.

This year the SRELC is expanding, and we want all the children there to be able to participate in Kindermusik. Several campaigns are helping assure that this will happen, and you can be a part of bringing music to the children in South Rome.  Click here to learn how you can donate. Donations are tax deductible!

20 years of Kindermusik with the Lataif's

I started teaching Kindermusik in 1989.  I have had many families come through the program during the years, but one family has just finished 20 years with me! Louis and Susan Lataif moved to Rome in 1996 when their first child, Emily, was about 2 years old. Susan always started the kids in Our Time classes and could easily have taught the classes because she knew all the songs.  She loved her one on one time with her toddlers, but often had a baby or older sibling in tow.

Charlie's last Kindermusik day and all are accounted for except Emily

The children continued in Kindermusik through all the curricula, and she often had 3 or 4 kids in different classes.  The kids in Young Child classes were often lucky enough to have Dad join them for sharing time.  This family appreciates music, and immersed their children in music.  All the kids have played the piano, Emily and Frances even took piano in college.  Ted has recently started learning the trumpet.  Renee wants to learn the violin and guitar.

Frances, Ted, Renee, Ms. Kathryn, George, Charlie and Philip

The Lataif kids, 3 girls and 4 boys, are always polite, courteous and friendly.  The boys can be rambunctious and rowdy, but Susan knows how to reel them in.  One of the things I loved about having Susan and her kids in Kindermusik was that she was a great parenting model.  She enjoyed her children, but didn't worship them.  She was always interested in people and hearing their stories.  She made sure her kids listened and didn't interrupt adults that were talking.  She let them make mistakes and suffer consequences.   

Emily and Frances, the first in the long line of Lataif's

Ted playing the recorder at a sharing day

Kindermusik celebration for George, with older sister Frances

Philip in an Imagine That class

Susan, Charlie and Renee march in an Our Time class

Did I mention she homeschool's her kids?  They are scheduled and have routines.  They take tennis lessons, they are involved at church, the boys are in Scouts, the girls sew and knit. The Lataif's all help out at home.  Every spring they go to the local strawberry farm, each pick 2 buckets of berries (62 pounds this year!) and then home to help make jam.  I have been the recipient of delicious strawberry jam for many years.  The kids know how to take initiative, because they know their mom and dad aren't going to do it for them.  Emily will graduate from the University of Dallas this weekend.  Frances attends Catholic University of America in DC.  Ted will go to University of Illinois this fall to study Aeronautical Engineering.  George is often flying his drone and taking videos, many that have been used on local news sites.  Renee just completed a National program for piano guild auditions, memorizing 8 pieces, playing all minor scales and transposing! She received a superior rating.  Philip and Charlie are also taking piano and doing great.  They have a regular practice schedule at their house, and I think the piano must be busy all day long.  That is music to my ears!

Thanks Lataif's for letting me share in your life these past 20 years. It's been wonderful and you will be missed in Kindermusik.

2015 Christmas card

Helpful Reminders!

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 do you need to know:

• Be on time for class.  I realize parking can be an issue. After 5 pm you can park in any lot!
• Leave toys and food at home or in the car.
• Be patient and encouraging. 
• Think, say: how many ways can we....play the sticks, move high, move low, wave our hand, etc...  Your suggestion, then they get an idea of their own, this is called scaffolding!
• Have fun in class, and your child will follow your lead.
• Some children are observers.  The class is where they soak it in, and then later it comes pouring out!
• 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.
• Please sign the photo release if it is okay to post pictures of you and your child on social media or the Kindermusik blog/website. 
• Check the board in the Kindermusik for pertinent information.  Email and Facebook are also ways we communicate on a regular basis.
• Do you need some parenting tips?  Kindermusik International has great post to help you out, check out their blog. 
• Teacher email addresses:  Wendy Williams hamilton80@aol.com  Kay Bratton brattonk@bellsouth.net Kathryn Nobles knobles@berry.edu
• Still need an answer, check this post.

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.  If you are engaged, they will be too!

For those with older children (Imagine That or Young Child), 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.

If you miss a class you are welcome to make it up on another day/time.  Unfortunately some classes don't have that option...especially the evening classes.  It would be helpful if you could email about making up a class, just so we know you are coming.  It is not imperative, but encouraged.  Here is the class schedule for Spring 2016:

Kindermusik Village (newborn – 18 months)

Tuesday 10:15 a.m. 

Wednesday 9:15 a.m 
Thursday 9:30 a.m.
Thursday 5:30 p.m. (music library)

Kindermusik 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. 

Kindermusik Imagine That! ( 3.5 - 5 years)

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)

Year One (green folder)  Tuesday 5:15 p.m.  Thursday 3:45 pm

Year  Two (yellow folder) Thursday 4:45 p.m.

Beyond Kindermusik
Beyond 2 - 3:45 - 4:45 pm
Beyond 1 - 4:15 - 5:15 pm.

Family Activities for the Holidays

Tis the Season Are you looking for some local holiday fun?  Here's a list to get you started: Downtown Holiday Open House is set for November 20-21 on Broad Street. Start your holiday shopping with local merchants on Friday and bring the kids on Saturday for a candy cane hunt at the Town Green at 1 pm.  There will also be free trolley rides with Mr & Mrs. Claus from 11 am - 3 pm. The Nutcracker returns to the Rome City Auditorium on November 20-21 with performances at 7:30 pm each evening and a 2 pm matinee on Saturday afternoon.  A special Tea Party will be held on Saturday, November 21st from 12:30-1:15, before the matinee performance. Young children will have a hot chocolate and sugar cookie tea party while given the opportunity to meet some of the lead characters in the show. It will include a reading of "The Nutcracker" book as well as a meet-and-greet, and photo-ops. It will be a great way for children to really connect with the show and with the dancers that they so admire on stage. Limited tickets for the Tea are $5 per child, and children must be accompanied by an adult  to ensure proper supervision. Tea Party tickets are available at Rome Civic Ballet (info@romecivicballet.com).  The ticket does not include the performance, so performance tickets will need to be purchased at here, with limited available at the door. Rome Christmas Parade is Tuesday December 1 at 630 pm on Broad Street.  Bands, floats, and Santa! White Christmas is coming to the Rome Little Theatre at the Historic Desoto in December.  This is a fabulous musical with great singing and dancing! Saturday, December 5, kids under 13 get in for $5 with a paying adult!  Also, photos taken with Santa at performances on December 5 and 6. Candles and Carols at Oak Hill on December 4 and 5. What else?  Check out Venue Dog for all Rome events! Eventually the holidays end and it will be winter. Don't get the winter blues and be stuck inside, enroll in Kindermusik for the spring semester. Kindermusik makes a great Christmas gift, because it last for 15 weeks!

Tis the Season - Registration in progress

There are many fabulous activities for you and your child, but we believe Kindermusik is the best choice!  Quality music, new friends, age appropriate activities, and learning is at the forefront of all we do.  Are you thinking, let's try something new because we have already done Kindermusik, remember that children need familiar, and they need repetition.  For children in Imagine That and Young Child classes they are just beginning to respond appropriately and learn key concepts in the music making process.  Do you have questions, ask your teacher or email Kathryn and she can help you choose the right class for your child.

Spring semester will bring new songs, activities and friends to Kindermusik. Don't miss out, register today.  Registration is online, and you can choose to pay with credit card, check or make payments.

You can save $15 if you pay in full by December 1. This can be confusing, so here's the explanation. The fee listed in the brochure is the amount after December 1.  For example - if you are registering for Kindermusik Our Time, the fee listed in the brochure is $205. Pay in full by December 1 and it is $190.  When you pull up the online registration $190 is the amount you see before December 1, after that date the amount listed will be $205.

The fall semester is coming to a close and here are some dates to remember:

• Monday classes will meet on November 24.
• Kathryn's Tuesday afternoon classes (Beyond and Young Child) will meet on November 25 which is Thanksgiving week.  Beyond class will meet on December 2, but not Young Child due to the Christmas parade.
• No classes the week of Thanksgiving except those mentioned above.
• The last day of class will vary depending on the teacher.  Monday classes will end on December 1.  Most classes will not end until the week of December 8, but ask your teacher to be certain.  Kathryn: knobles@berry.edu  Kay: brattonk@bellsouth.net  Wendy: hamilton80@aol.com

The holidays are busy.  Here are some local activities to enjoy:

• Tell-a-bration storytelling at the Rome Civic Center.  Saturday November 22 at 7 pm
• Rome Christmas parade is Tuesday December 2 at 630 on Broad Street in downtown Rome.  It's' a great family outing.
• Beauty and The Beast is a great show to enjoy this holiday season.  Check out Rome Little Theater for details.  Show opens on December 5.
• Oak Hill and the Martha Berry Museum host their annual Carols and Candles tour on December 5 and 6. 

Maestro!

Kindermusik International just released their list of top educators.  The Kindermusik program at Berry is in the Conductor's Circle and is #34 on the list!  The Maestro Conductor’s Circle represents the top 1 percent of Kindermusik educators worldwide who have built a truly expansive program and prove masterful in reaching a large number of families.  We join an elite group of  300 Maestros identified as the top Educators of the over 5,000 licensed educators in the world who teach Kindermusik’s music and movement curricula. 

Kathryn Nobles started the program at Berry College in 1989 and will celebrate 25 years of serving families in Northwest Georgia this September. Kay Bratton and Wendy Williams serve alongside Nobles in bringing the joy of music to children in the Rome community.

“The Kindermusik Maestro has a mission: helping children become better learners and helping parents understand how to help them reach their highest potential,” said Scott Kinsey, CEO at Kindermusik International.

This award is exciting, but it belongs to the families that participate each week.  Thank you for trusting us to share the power and beauty of music with your family.

Busy October Weekend Ahead

Rome Georgia will be bustling with activity this weekend.  Here are some things you can enjoy:

Chiaha Harvest Fair is a favorite fall outing.  Enjoy arts, crafts, music and tasty treats. Ridge Ferry Park, Saturday and Sunday from 10 - 5.  Adults are $5. Students and seniors $4.  Children 12 and under are $1.

Peach State Marching Festival is a great way to enjoy a day of marching bands without the football game!  This year marks the 40th year of this band competition at Barron Stadium.  The afternoon and evening is filled with music and marching.  A special performance by the JSU Marching Southerners will conclude the evening of song.  Admission is $7 for ages 6 and up. 

Harbin Clinic Zombie A Thon and Block Party is Saturday.  The Zombie run is at 5:30 and the block party begins at 7 pm - 200 and 300 blocks of Broad Street.  The fireworks will go off at 9:45.

Trinity Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch is still open and there is storytelling and music from 10 - noon on Saturday.

The YMCA is having their annual Boo Fest beginning at 5:30  on Friday at Grizzard Park. 

At Berry College there are a plethora of sporting events to attend.  Get the schedule here.

I'm sure more activities abound, check Hometown Headlines for all the details!

Community Happenings

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

Berry Farmer's Market

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

Featuring the Berry Student Enterprises:

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

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

Check out their website

Storytime at the Rome Floyd Library

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

Book Signing and Meet the Author Day

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

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

Berry Fine Arts: Concerts and More

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

Spivey Hall Educational Programs by Clayton State University

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

Coming This Weekend

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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Randy & me at Zion National Park, Utah.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weddings are another occasion when I can snap a picture.

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

I hope you enjoyed reading this personal saga.

See you at Kindermusik!

Summer activities for everyone

Looking for family friendly activities close to home? Then check out Oak Hill at Berry College.

There are movies in the meadows - $10 a carload! You can take a historic bike ride, complete with a guide. There are classes for the children, that include painting flower pots, building a birdhouse, or learning about horticulture. Do you have family coming to town, then take them to the museum at Oak Hill and learn more about Martha Berry. There is so much to do and see at Berry College, and it's right in our own backyard! While your thinking about Berry, check out the Kindermusik classes that are offered this summer too.