Coming UP

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!

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!

Repetition, repetition, repetition

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.

Fall classes coming soon, several are FULL

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!

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!

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

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!