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

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Spring Breaks...coming soon!

Though the weather and calendar still say winter, many school systems have a spring break in the near future!  Kindermusik of Berry serves families from various systems encompassing several counties, so trying to choose one break is impossible.  Teachers decide what works best for them and their schedule.  That said, here is what you can expect:

Ms. Kay will NOT have classes the week of 
March 3 - 8 (Berry's spring break)

Ms. Wendy will NOT have classes the week of 
March 25-29 (Rome City's break)

Ms. Kathryn will NOT OBSERVE any breaks....
if you are in town, come to class!

Monday, February 18, 2013

We Love Kindermusik, Quotes & Quips



Both my children get so excited when it’s their day for Kindermusik. They have built friendships there.  If either of my kids are fussy and crying and I pop in the Kindermusik CD it’s like an instant calm – bizarre!    Anna Routt, Samson and Sadie’s mom

We like learning new songs, moves and interacting with other kids.   Erin Hall, Ava’s mom

We love Kindemrusik because it is a chance for some much needed Mommy/Daughter time.                                                                                     LeeAnn Goya, Stella’s mom

Fun, instruments, games, singing, laughing, dancing, friends. Sarah Beth Diprima, age 7

Driver loves knowing every Thursday morning that he is going to the “castle” to do music.  I love to see him learning so many different concepts through music.  It’s a great way for Driver and I to have some wonderful quality time.     Becky Chambers, Driver’s “Mimi”

I do love Kindermusik, that is a fact not an opinion.
                                                 Amelia Miller, age 6


One of the many reasons we chose to participate in Kindermusik  is to foster the sense of ownership Evelyn feels in regard to the music.  When we turn the Kindermusik on Evelyn’s face lights up.  She stops whatever she’s doing to run, dance, and sing to the music.  In a sweet and special way, it is hers.  
                                            Jennifer Pullen, Evelyn’s mom

Mallory and I love Kindermusik because of the special memories we’ve made and the fun times we’ve had!                   Kari Meers, Mallory’s mom

I like Kindermusik because I like to sing and dance. Kaylee Harper, age 3 1/2

Kindermusik has meant togetherness to our family.  It has always provided a space and opportunity to explore, listen, try new things, act silly, be creative and enjoy…TOGETHER!  As a mother I cherish the days I get to go to class with my child and watch her be herself, acting in her own unique ways amongst her peers, growing and learning.  I am always so proud as I watch my child and thankful that she is mine. Kindermusik has given me those moments. Maggie Cooper, mom to Vivian and Emily

Allie Garrett (age 2) was grumpy until her mom told her it was Thursday and time for Kindermusik. Suzanne said her attitude totally changed!

Matthew Lewallen (age 5) loves Kindermusik because he gets to see his friends!

When Britton (age 2) was saying his prayers, he thanked God for trumpets and Miss Kathryn.                                                  Sally Echols, Britton’s mom
            
Atticus loves to share his mom's special treats with his friends at Kindermusik!  Click here to see more of Chin's creations.The words/music symbols you see on top of the cupcakes are chocolate!

For those who returned their coloring pages, thank you!  Liz, our student worker in Kindermusik used the famous "eeny, meeny, mini, mo" method and found THREE winners -
Mary Kathryn Mead
Julia Beauchamp
Kailyn Therber

Thanks to all who participated in WE LOVE KINDERMUSIK WEEK! 
A good beginning never ends.

Monday, February 4, 2013

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!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

We Love Kindermusik!

The week of February 10 - 15 is WE LOVE KINDERMUSIK WEEK! Join the fun by picking up a coloring page when you come to class.   Return the beautiful artwork to your teacher, and it will be displayed in the Kindermusik room through February 15. 

In addition to displaying your child's artistic skills, we would like for the parent to write a brief statement of 'why you love Kindermusik', or 'why you choose to participate in Kindermusik'.  Write your comments on the coloring sheet.  Older kids may want to assist you with their own version of  what they LOVE about Kindermusik.

All coloring pages that are returned will be entered into a drawing for a SURPRISE gift card.  There will be three winners! You must return your coloring page by February 8 for a chance to win.

After Valentines Day there will be a new post listing the winners, and some of our favorite quotes from families about Kindermusik.

For fun click here to see a video.  Maybe Kindermusik of Berry will submit a video this year!


We love Kindermusik families!


Friday, January 4, 2013

Together Again!

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's.....all great to spend with family and friends.  After the shopping, traveling, and eating it's time to resume routine.  Children love the holidays, but they crave the familiar.  Another thing children need is time with the adults in their life. Time that is free from errands, laundry, and technology.

There are many wonderful activities to engage your child, but consider Kindermusik in 2013.  Here are a few reasons:

  • Your child will learn listening skills!  This is a great skill to have at home, in the classroom, and in life!  
  • Your child will experience taking turns - another life skill!  
  • Children work on fine motor skills through playing instruments and gross motor skills as they move to music.  These transfer to cutting with scissors, holding a pencil and playing a sport!
  • There is evidence that Kindermusik shows positive effects, particularly around the development of parent-child communication, language and reading skills. 
  • Friendships are formed that continue after Kindermusik is over! I know families with teenagers that have maintained the relationships they began in the Kindermusik classroom.  A good beginning never ends!


Classes resume the week of January 14, and many have space available.  You can get a brochure here.  If you have questions about openings email me at knobles@berry.edu

Despite all the concrete evidence that music increases our capacity to think and perform at higher levels, it is the “soul” of music that, in the end, makes a difference in human behavior.  Linda Swears


Monday, December 17, 2012

Navigating a Tragedy

The news from Newtown Connecticut has stirred many emotions in me over the past several days.  Because I have children, teach children, and love families this has been a difficult matter to comprehend.  I avoided watching television, and honestly didn't want to talk about it for the first 24 hours.  I suppose that would be denial.

Since I don't watch much television, I get most of my news via Twitter accounts that I follow.  That may seem odd, but that allows me to choose what I read.  We live in the informational (overload) age, so I decided to pass along a few of my favorite links concerning this horrific event.

3 short stories about the heroic events of teachers at Sandy Hook
http://theapproach.org/?p=1457//teachers

Reflections on the tragedy by a recent Berry College graduate that is a children's minister
http://alexsanford.blogspot.com/2012/12/we-were-only-asked-to-love-to-offer.html

Helping children cope with their fears, but one of my favorite bloggers.
http://www.ronedmondson.com/2012/12/7-ways-to-help-children-cope-with-fear.html

What NOT to say, and what TO say to those dealing with grief
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-emily-c-heath/dealing-with-grief-five-t_b_2303910.html?utm_hp_ref=religion

I hope you will find comfort and encouragement through these posts.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Annie Moses Band in Calhoun!!!

        

The Annie Moses Band is a Christian family of Julliard-trained musicians and award-winning songwriters dedicated to virtuosity in the arts. Led by lead singer/violinist, Annie Wolaver, the Band includes her five siblings: Alex, viola; Benjamin, cello; Camille, harp/keyboard; Gretchen, violin/mandolin; and Jeremiah, guitar and banjo. Add the veteran songwriting talents of their parents, Bill and Robin Wolaver, and you have a dynamic group with roots in classical, pop, and jazz. Together, they are leading an artistic renaissance in the Church through musical excellence, strength of family, and a message of faith, inspiring all generations to join in the discipline, beauty, and excitement of highly skilled musicianship.


This exciting group will be in Calhoun Georgia on Monday December 3.  Call 706-625-3132 for tickets or information!!