Summer Fun - where to find it

The kids are out of school and the days are longer. Are you in need of things to keep them occupied and entertained without breaking the bank?  A good place to start is this site.  Need more ideas, keep clicking:

The Rome Floyd Library is one of the best free places to explore with plenty of kid friendly activities. Kindermusik will be doing a special show on June 19 at 11 a.m.  Did I mention it's FREE?

Shop local every Friday through September at Rome Grown, Rome Made.  Fresh produce, jams and jellies at the Rome Visitor Center.

An organic scavenger hunt activity is Free Art Friday. Check them out on Facebook, and it's not just on Friday.

Learn about the Cherokee culture of Northwest Georgia at the Chieftain's Museum this Saturday, June 17.

Rome Little Theater has one more weekend of Jungle Book.  This is a short version just right for kids. The show is only about 40 minutes and features many children on stage for the first time!

Want to cool off?  Go to the Town Green and play in the fountains.

Looking for a playground?  Ridge Ferry is shady, has picnic tables and is a great place to meet friends for a play date.  There are also some upcoming outdoor movies at Ridge Ferry.

Have you heard about The Rock Garden in Calhoun?  This is a short drive and the perfect place to explore and take a picnic.

Christmas in July is the place to start your shopping early.

For all your local activities go to Venue Dog.

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

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!

Peter and the Wolf

The Rome Symphony concert on Saturday April 25 is perfect for Kindermusik students!  There will be young artist performing that will inspire your musician to practice.  The young artist portion includes college and high school musicians. The trumpet soloist, Matt Soares, from Berry is an amazing performer.  You will not be disappointed by the student artist at this concert!  

Following the concerto winners, the symphony will perform the beloved musical story by Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf.  Children who have been in Kindermusik for the Young Child will remember this story as we use it to reinforce our auditory recollection of the orchestral instruments.  

Make this a special night for your family.  Dress up, go to dinner and then to the symphony! Student tickets are $2, adult tickets are $15-$20.  You can purchase tickets online here.  The concert starts at 7:30 and you will be on your way home by 9:30.  I hope to see you there!

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. 

Opportunities Abound

Rome Georgia is family friendly.  It doesn't have all the perks of the big city, but fortunately Atlanta is just down the road!  But while in Rome, do as the Romans.  To keep current on all the happenings in our city I would suggest that you check Venue Dog.  Some are aimed at families, others are adult only.  Regardless, get out and enjoy Rome.

Here are a few that I recommend for the upcoming weeks:

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer presented by the Rome Little Theater.  Many members of the cast are Kindermusik grads, including Aunt Polly and Injun Joe!  The show runs from August 22 - August 31.

Rome Symphony Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf.  This timeless work by Prokofiev introduces the orchestral instruments through an entertaining story.  The children's concert will be held on Friday, September 19 at Model High School, with shows at 10:30 am and 12:15 pm.  Each performance is 45 minutes long.  Admission is $3.  Make your reservation by calling 706-291-7967

Football season is a great time to see the bands at halftime.  Every Friday night there is a football game somewhere in Rome.  Pick a team, and show your support.  Berry football returns this fall too, with the Viking Drumline performing.  The drumline often performs at the volleyball and soccer games too.

You may know about the Farmer's Market at Ridge Ferry, but did you know that Berry has them too? You can buy vegetables, cheese, and beef.  There is a beef sale coming up on August 29 from 4 - 7 pm.  Get on the email list and you will get updates about the sales.  

The Berry dairy offers free tours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Email to schedule your tour agried@berry.edu

Rome is a great town, get out and enjoy all it has to offer!

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!

Fall Break and Community Events

Kindermusik classes at Berry will observe fall break the week of September 30 - October 4.  This coincides with Rome City, Floyd County and several other other school systems. Classes will resume the week of October 7 and continue through the week of December 9.

Halloween falls on a Thursday this year, and Thursday afternoon/evening classes may be altered to allow children to enjoy the festivities of the day. Look for details from your teacher...coming soon!


October brings cooler weather and a plethora of activities to the Rome community.  Here are a few things to put on the family calendar.

Storytime at the Rome Floyd Library begins on Tuesday October 8.  The children's department has shows each Tuesday at 10 or 11 a.m.  Come and join in the stories, songs and spontaneity of storytime!

The Pumpkin Patch at Trinity United Methodist Church on Turner McCall Boulevard begins October 1 and continues through October 31.  Search for the perfect pumpkin, buy some home baked goodies and support the youth group at Trinity.

Coosa Valley Fair is October 1 - 5 at the fairgrounds on Martin Luther King Bouelvard.  Carnival rides, an art show, and animals to enjoy. Get details here

Berry has a full calendar of events for you to enjoy.  Some events are best suited as a "date night", but there are the occasional kid friendly activities. Opening on September 26 is Rodgers and Hammerstein's "A Grand Night for Singing" - a musical highlighting the showstoppers this pair created.  Read more about it here.  Go to www.berry.edu  and click on NEWS to stay up to date with happenings on campus.

Chiaha Harvest Fair is a favorite fall outing.  Enjoy arts, crafts, music and tasty treats. Mark your calendars for October 26 - 27.

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.

It's Ag Week at Berry College

Berry College was founded on working your way through school.  That is still a big part of the education that students receive.  Agriculture continues to thrive at Berry, and they celebrate that each year with special events. In the past they have lined the entrance road with tractors, trucks and farm equipment.  This year the events include:

Cow milking demonstration and Farrier (horseshoeing) and Bull Riding!  

The first two events take place on the lawn of Krannert between 11 - 1 on April 2 and 3. 
The Bull Riding is Friday, April 5 on the Mountain Campus.  Before the Bull Riding there will be
a petting zoo
face painting
Bruster's ice cream

The gates open at 6:30 and Bull Riding begins at 8:00 p.m.  The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under.  Berry folks get in free with their ID.  Bull Riding will take place at the Gunby Equine Center on the Mountain Campus.  To get there take the stretch road like you are going to Swan Lake, Frost Chapel or the Old Mill.  The Gunby Center is on the left, look for signs.

Though not part of Ag Week, you may be interested in purchasing some Berry feed beef or Berry cheese.  The Berry Student Enterprises have sales of beef and cheese on a regular basis. There is nothing quite as tasty as Berry beef! For more information you can email berryangus@berry.edu

So Many Choices

Rome has an abundance of music events coming up, so get your calendars ready, and decide what you can attend!

Friday February 8 - Unity Christian is having a Valentine Dinner/Dance. It is from 7 - 10 p.m. at The Palladium.  If you want information or tickets contact Stephanye Yadkowski at ryandsy@aol.com

The Clocktower Jazz will perform at the Rome City Auditorium on February 8. Heart and Soul, Love Songs and Motown! Tickets are $5.

February 8 is also opening night for the Rome Little Theatre's show, Hairspray.  Tickets are available by visiting the Rome Little Theatre box office in the DeSoto at 530 Broad St. in Rome or by calling the box office at 706.295.7171. Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $12 for students, seniors, and groups. RLT  The show runs two consecutive weekends.

Also on February 12 you may want to attend the Three Rivers Singers Concert that will be held in Berry's Ford Auditorium. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free!

The weekend of February 15 - 17 Darlington's Fine Arts presents the musical, Grease!  The show will be held at the Rome City Auditorium. 

Thursday February 21 is the Northwest Georgia Winds Concert.  The concert is at the Rome City Auditorium at begins at 7:30 p.m.  Free!

Meet the Author!

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

Harry, the storyteller

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

Illustrations from the book

Brian Barr, illustrator

Harry with Martin the Guitar

Good listeners!

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

Harry and Loar, the mandolin

Entertaining the family!

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

Personalized Copy

Waiting for an autograph

Kaleb holds his new book and waits to have it signed

Harry and Brian greeting the children

Sophie and Eleanor

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

Book Signing and Spring Registration

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

Priority Enrollment for Spring Semester

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

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

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

Example: OT Tues. 9:30 Jack

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

4.    Payment options:                                                                                    

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

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

Other payment options are available, just ask.

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

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

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

8.  Kindermusik classes continue through the week of December 3 

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

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

PRICES FOR KINDERMUSIK CLASSES

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

Our Time - $195  - Fiddle Dee Dee

Imagine That! - $210  - Cities!

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

Beyond - $178

CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF JANUARY 14. 

No classes will meet on MLK holiday.

Spring Break dates will be announced later.

             

Monday

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

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

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

Tuesday

9: 30 a.m. Our Time

10:15 a.m. Village

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

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

Wednesday

9:15 a.m. Village

10:15 a.m. Our Time

Thursday

9:30 a.m.Village

10:15 a.m. Our Time

11:00 a.m. Imagine That!

3:45 p.m. Beyond 2

4:15 p.m. Beyond 1

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

6:30 p.m. Our Time

Friday

9:30 a.m. Our Time

10:15 a.m. Imagine That!

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.

Berry Farmer's Market

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


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


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


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

Come to the Park!

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

Thursday, April 26 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!

October in Rome

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.

A Good Beginning Never Ends

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

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

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

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

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

Kindermusik Kids on Stage at RLT

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

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

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

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

taking turns - waiting to take the stage

listening skills - listening for when to say your line

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

vocal production - speaking with clarity & volume

imaginative play - turns into a character

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

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

Free Concert June 24

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