A Creative Way to Explore Music

Kids love to make noise...er, music. A fun summer activity is to make your own musical instruments and experiment with rhythm and music.

There are YouTube videos and websites out there on how to make instruments. Here's a pdf file that gives directions, based on actual types of instruments (woodwind, string, brass, etc.): https://www.atlantasymphony.org/aso/asoassets/downloadcenter/Symphony%20Street%20Activity%20Sheets.pdf

Enjoying Music from Other Lands

Music is enjoyed by people on every continent. Here's a great website that introduces children to music around the world:

http://www.dariamusic.com

Learn about music and songs from other cultures. Discover how to make our own instruments. A fun, creative website to explore.

Learning to Play Musical Instruments

Last week I subbed in a sixth-grade class that attended a school assembly given by a local junior high band and orchestra. The students loved it. At one point the band leader asked for a raise of hands of those in the band who hadn't had prior experience with a band instrument prior to junior high. Most raised their hands.

It brought me back to my junior high band years. Playing in the band was one of the few high points of my junior high career. So many wonderful, memorable experiences! I played the clarinet and later the bassoon and oboe. I had opportunities to play in small ensembles as well as symphony orchestras and everything in between.

I highly recommend that youngsters consider taking up an instrument--any kind of instrument. It can enhance their creativity. And it's a lot of fun!

The Magical Wonder of Christmas

Last night I went to a wonderful Christmas Concert at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, at which the Sesame Street Muppets and Santino Fontana performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square. An audience of 21,000 people, including children ages 5 and up, were enchanted with the delightful and magnificent performance. 

I was especially intrigued watching the little children, including my 7-year-old grandson, as they witnessed this magical performance. What a wonderful experience...to not only enjoy the fun of the Muppets and the wonderful dancers, the lights and decorations and special effects, but also to have a chance to listen to a full symphony orchestra and exceptional choir perform. 

These are the kinds of experiences that help mold children...experiences they never ever forget.

Got a Lot of Reading to Do

Never happier than right after a trip to the library. "I got a lot of reading to do," he says with a smile!

Let There Be Music!

Music for the Very Young Child

It's never too early to introduce a little child to a variety of music. A love of music seems instinctive even to a baby. A mother's lullaby can calm the newborn.

I remember visiting in the home of my son's family. Their young daughter was (and is) a very active child. She had trouble falling asleep because her mind would continue racing and imagining. Her wise mother would play peaceful music softly on the CD player. It set such a sweet, calm atmosphere.

I remember as a very young child dancing as my mother played the piano.

Expose your child to a variety of music styles. Play some Souza's marches and all march around the house waving flags. Hand everyone a rhythm instrument and enjoy playing Latin music. Tape a strip of crepe paper to a stick and twirl it around as you dance to Swan Lake. What a fun way to develop creativity.

Let your child see you enjoy many types of music.

What a marvelous smorgasbord of musical genres are out there to be enjoyed...by all ages.