Homemade Liberty bells RING for Independence Day

For Independence day, encourage your child to make their OWN “Liberty” bell and make their OWN noise to celebrate the freedoms we have in this country !!!   That includes a LOT of freedoms for young musicians!  (Make sure to check out my bell makers at the bottom.)

Making an instrument with your child can be an amazing  journey into your their thought processes, especially when you FOLLOW the child. 

Here’s some ideas to get you started, but there are NO specific directions.  WHY? (say many of you who FEEL creatively challenged).  Because it’s not about following instructions (someone else’s way of doing things). 

• It’s about a child’s freedom of choice. 
• It’s about a child’s ability to plan out their own solutions to a unique task, and work toward their plan. 
• It’s about supporting a child in their efforts to bring a creative vision to life. 
• It’s about pride in sharing their creation with others, and using it for fun!

The task:  Let’s make a Liberty Bell to celebrate our Independence !

Talk about what a bell looks like, the parts of it, and how it makes a sound.  You may even show pictures of, and learn about the Liberty Bell.

Have your child help you gather about 3 – 5 options for each of the following parts:  (less options for younger, more options for older)

Bell – flower pot, water bottle, cup, metal kitchen bowl…

Striker (helps to have hole in it, easier to attach) - keys, nuts & washers, metal rings, keychain…  Make sure to have something to attach it with, offer options like string, ribbon, pipe cleaners, rubber bands, etc.

Handle – Wooden dowels are great – can use screw to attach from the bottom, which can also hold the string that holds the striker.  Ribbons or rope can also be used, as long as there is a hole to pass it through, and a way to keep it from falling out (in or out).

Items to help decorate your project – paint, star or flag stickers, ribbons /beads to glue on, markers to draw with – whatever works for the type of bell that is chosen.   (This Liberty Bell doesn’t HAVE to have a crack.)

With the choices in front of them, guide them in the process of planning and making their bell.  Bring their choices to the front, and support their efforts to make the bell, allowing them to try out different sounds before making the final choice.  It will be important for adults to make the holes, tie the knots, etc.  Just keep asking questions:  What shall we use for…?  What will it sound like if we use…?  How will we attach…?  What do you want it to look like?  Oh, no – it seems to have a problem – what shall we do? 

In our recent Kindermusik Imagine That ! program, our students excelled at designing their own bells (with JUST enough support from parents to see their designs come to fruition.)  These aren’t decorated for Independence Day, but it might give you some ideas.  And you might enjoy singing along with Yankee Doodle !

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Kindermusik Playdate – MY schedule or YOURS

 

 

  

Kindermusik developed this new program as a ONE-TIME event WITH materials.

 

This summer seems a GREAT time to offer these events, as families are struggling with summer schedules and financial hardships, but still want to add the joy of music to these days with their families.

The class activities will be typical of regular Kindermusik classes, but will be based on the theme of the materials that families will be able to take and use at home.  

• These events will be scheduled occasionally this  summer    Please take the survey to help me plan effectively
• OR, you can choose to HOST a Kindermusik Playdate at a time convenient for you and your friends.  (see details below)

We have an incredible opportunity to use the overstock of Do-Re-Me & You products (which many of you may remember that I used to sell), which are now being offered at incredible prices.  The quantities of these products are limited, so this opportunity won’t last long.   I even have several sets that are no longer available. 

Materials Cost:  $10 for CD  AND a book or instrument  (some may be less)    If you purchased the materials previously, there is no cost unless a craft is planned.  

The Tuition is just $15 for the first child, $5 for each additional sibling.

Minimum enrollment of 6 is required to make a class.  Max of 12.
Families are allowed to participate only once for each set of materials.

The first events are already scheduled for June 25, 26, 29. 

• Thursday, 10:30 am.  Friday, 11:45 am.,  Monday, 10:30 am.
• NIGHT class:  Thursday at 5:15 pm.
• Check for details & enroll on my Facebook Page.  Link at right ->
• OR contact Debbie for details.  At this time, enrollment is only possible through direct contact (since it is so new, and I have limited  materials available.)  Email:  musiconnx@att.net

Please take this survey to indicate your preferences so I can plan effectively.

Kindermusik Playdate Survey

These are some of the options you will see:

• Family Playdates (for children of all ages to attend with one or both parents. Grandparents welcome).   These will be offered on the 3^rd Saturday of each month, as well as week days.
• Babies Playdates (for infants up to 18 months and their partner – parent or grandparent)
• Toddler Playdates ( 1 ½ to 3 ½ yrs and their partner)
• Preschool Playdates (for children 3 ½ to 5 yrs. To participate independently for 45, then parents join for  15 min.)
• Big Kids Playdates (for children 5 – 8 yrs. To participate independently for 45, then parents join for 15 min.)

Host a Kindermusik Playdate     aka.  “Debbie On Demand”

YOU pick a date and time that you and your friends can get together, and invite me to YOUR HOUSE, or desired location for the event. The host chooses the theme and gets FREE tuition and materials, and a $20 discount on an upcoming Semester. Guests pay standard price.  Host and guests who register for an upcoming semester get discounts or prizes !  (But there is NO pressure for further enrollment.)

See my blog posting for further information.

Contact Debbie to schedule a Kindermusik Playdate at your house.  Choose your materials and theme. 

Debbie’s note:  A full semester of Kindermusik REALLY is the BEST for the child, as it allows for the process of learning through music to work it’s magic week after week in the inner most places of a child, and provides ongoing support for parents in the process of learning to use music in the daily routines, and utilizing  ”teachable moments”. 

A One-Time event like the Kindermusik Playdate CAN  introduce the theme, the music, ideas and inspiration for parents to add music to their daily routines.  As I hope it will for your family.

This won’t be offered during regular semesters except for the 3rd Sat. of the month.  And may NOT be available next summer due to the limited quantities of the materials.

Participants who enroll for an upcoming full semester at the end of the event will get a GOOD discount, or prizes on the spot!

Fathers find music great for child bonding

It is absolutely awesome when fathers are able to come with their children and participate in the music activities at Kindermusik.  Each time, the child is SOOO proud to have their dad by their side, playing, sharing, and singing.  I LOVE to hear those male voices in my classes, and to watch these heartfelt interactions, fun lap bounces, exploring instruments together, and dancing.  But dads especially come in handy for swinging activities !

I just wanted to share a slide show of some fathers in Kindermusik this last year.  When watching it, you might get some good ideas for fun activities with your children, just add music.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

You can shape the future with Music Connections

PLEASE SHARE !!!

This is YOUR opportunity to guide the direction of Music Connections this summer.

If you live in Lakeland, or close by, please take this Summer Survey.   It has some really creative ideas for Semesters,  One-Time events, and personal Kindermusik Playdates.  

No matter where you live, please share your thoughts on what you’d like to see in this blog.  Review and comment on some of my ideas for summer postings.   Just list the numbers below that interest you, and give a few details about what you might be looking for.

Or share YOUR own unique ideas, or “I’d like to know about….”s.

1. Unique homemade instrument that can be made with household items
2. Ways music can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary, stories and examples of music in the world around us.
3. Everyday musical rituals that can help parents and children connect, and simply make life more fun.
4. News bits identifying specific ways that music enhances child development
5. Recommended music or books for my children (specify theme & age).
6. Easy fun songs and activities to occupy my children in the car.
7. Musical party ideas, for birthdays or just for fun.
8. Really cool and safe links to websites where my kids can learn about music  
9. Musical ideas to spice up the summer with my children

Or join in the discussion on my Facebook page.

……..  here, or there, or anywhere… in a chair, with a bear, ideas floating everywhere.

Momsense and Dadsense, not a lot of nonsense

You may have seen the Momsense video, but have you seen Dadsense?  I thought I would share these in celebration of Father’s Day.

I use too many of these phrases that I never thought I would use.

Anita has also recently responded with “Dadsense” to fathers who were feeling left out.  Oh, I just can’t tell you how much I love the lead up, and the finale.

 

PLEASE share some of the “momsense” or “dadsense” that goes around in your family.  Maybe I’ll make a song out of it.

Good children’s music by Eric Herman

Did your kids say they were bored… or maybe that voice was coming from someone a little closer.   Constant parenting needs a few breaks…   DANCE breaks, that is!  It lifts the body, lifts the spirits, and is a great for fun interactions with your children.  ALL at NO COST!

Eric Herman not only MAKES good children’s music to dance to and laugh with, he also shares his insights on other children’s music, and links to excellent sites and blogs for kids.

This song is a great way to “Dance Like an Animal”  ooh, ooh.  Turn up the speakers, sing out loud (easy song), and move along with elephants, hippy hippos, and cockatoos.

I have added an Eric Herman video before.  If you haven’t yet seen it, you simply must see his video of  “The Elephant Song” at Kids LOVE animals. Share the LOVE and the learning. (at the bottom)   My daughter laughs and laughs at the silliness. 

I recently discovered his BLOG, Cool Tunes for Kids, which features:

• interesting articles by him, 
• reviews on tons of other children’s music (comprehensive list on left)
• interviews with children’s musicians
• links to “other sites and blogs with kid’s music stuff”

WOW – visiting his site is like winning a GRAND PRIZE of connections in children’s music.    We can hardly listen to all of the children’s music I currently have (I do collect a lot more than Kindermusik).  But…  WOW, do I wish I had a lot more money to buy music with.   Let’s just say some of the selections are a lot more eclectic than Kindermusik materials.  It’s fun to mix it up a bit.

Living rooms and Stop Lights are meant for DANCE breaks !

SO, what music get’s you and your children up and dancing?   I’d love to see smatterings of Kindermusik & all sorts of music.

Current favorites of my daughter (5):

•  Kindermusik:  “All Around the Kitchen – Cock-a-doodle doodle do”
• Other children’s artist:  The Chenille Sisters – “The Ants in Your Pants Dance”
• “Fly Like and Eagle” by the Steve Miller Band.   She sings and acts out every word.

My son (13) is at the age where dancing isn’t cool anymore.   But he is currently playing Bob Marley songs and blues songs on his guitar for us to dance to.    But OCCASIONALLY, I can get him involved in a Congo line with the steel drum version of  ”Hot, Hot, Hot”.

Build Connections and Peace through Music

In so many ways, music allows us to connect, within ourselves, our family, our community, and our world.  That’s why I do what I do.  See my philosophy for creating Music Connections .   My “Summer Series” blog postings will feature unique ways to connect to through music  – for everyone.  The tab at the top will link them all.

This video highlights the ability for music to make global connections, and the discussion encourages what you can do with  it to further connect with your family, and the world, through music.

A street musician in California, Roger Riddley, was just playing for change, but he played his heart out and offered music that uplifts the soul.   He didn’t know it would inspire a worldwide movement for peace through music.

This beautiful rendition of Stand By Me (by Ben E. King) was recognized for its potential to connect.  The recording of Riddley’s music was offered to musicians (see headphones)  around the world (names & countries included), and their unique voices and instruments were added to the original sound track to create a truly amazing feeling of unity.  

When you watch this video with your children, consider engaging them with some of these options:

1.  Point out the instrument that each musician is using (including their voice).  You can even pretend to play that kind of instrument.
2. Read the names of the musicians and where they are from.  If you have a map of the world, jot down all the countries and try to find them on the map.  Place a little piece of playdough on each country, and see how far this music connected people.
3. Learn the words to this song and sing it along with your family.  This song can actually become a ritual in your family, and its ability to connect you to each other may be able to help through tough times.  Due to copyright laws, I cannot provide the words here, but they are online at LyricWiki.
4. Learn about PLAYING FOR CHANGE, a “multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music”  This introduction, http://www.playingforchange.com/journey/introduction , shares the story, and connects you to their website so you can learn how to be a part of this amazing movement.  The video on this page explains the heart of the movement and includes one of the best versions of Bob Marley’s “One Love” (I cried because it was so heartwarming.)
5. Watch this cute video of how baby Eli responds to the music as he is watching the Stand By Me video.

 

How does YOUR child respond to this music and video ?

Can I Play a Song Now?

The students were so eager to play their songs, when I asked “Who’s next?”, about 5 – 8 hands went up, every time.   How do I choose?  Actually, the girl who led off the Annual Young Child Music Festival is one of my first year students.  

We Love our Glockenspiels

This girl is extremely shy, and I usually have to ASK her questions to get her to talk.  In class, she preferred to play the songs for me before or after class.  But, there she was, eager to be the first to play in front of total strangers.  When called upon, her first question was “Can I play ALL of my songs?”  WOW!  She did!  Even one she hadn’t played for me before.  And she kept wanting to play throughout the festival.  Most all of the children did.

At my Music Festival, all of my current students from the Kindermusik for the Young Child program, as well as past graduates are invited to my house to share our talents.  My favorite part of  regular Folk Music Festivals is after all the performances are over, and folks gather round in circles with their instrument and take turns leading songs.  So THAT is what we do at our Festival each year. 

ANT position

I simply love watching the students get so enthusiastic to share their talents, either by themselves, with a friend, or with a whole group.  This year we had a previous graduate (now 13 years old) play some fabulous classical works on the piano – fully impressing everyone!  And when a graduate from last year’s class played a song from the YC curriculum, then ALL the girls wanted to play the class songs on the piano.  “Just show me where C is.”   Even some siblings got caught up in the enthusiasm, and they volunteered to play. 

Mother - daughter duet

One of the students and her mother played a duet on violins, showing us a new way to play “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”.   And then her mom shared her incredible talent by playing some fun upbeat music, and allowing the students to play percussion instruments and dance along.  The violin isn’t an instrument we learn in the YC program, but her mother and father play with the Orlando Symphony, and this girl is a natural.  Her parents also appreciate the full musical experience that the YC program offers in the areas of music theory and music history.   

The students would have stayed all night, well, at least longer than the parents were prepared to stay.   Well, that’s happens at the Folk Music Festivals when I go.  I esp. like the Will McLean Festival in March.  It is very family oriented, and there is good music played day and night.  They are all quite talented.

So are my Young Child students and graduates, and parents!  Thanks for a wonderful time !

What gets your child enthusiastic to play their instruments for and with others?

That is why I gave you a 10

Recently, several families completed evaluations of their Kindermusik experience with Music Connections.  I LOVED what they had to say – it warms my heart and makes it even more worthwhile to do what I love.

The comments in this posting will be parents who have responded to the Kindermusik for the Young Child program.  I will start with one of my favorites, but will continue to share more over time.

In the following picture, the Young Child students are using the boomwhackers to pound out melodies while they are sitting in the correct note spaces and lines on the floor staff.  We call this the Music Machine.

“You are so sincere and full of compassion with your art that God blessed you with. You share that gift with passion and all heart with children that love music.   Music is the best medicine in the world. What parent would not give their child a gift that they know would be so  educational.   That is why i gave you a 10.   I love to hear Toni humming music as she works .”                      –  Laura Pendleton

“My child is happy learning about music and instruments. Kindermusik represents a fun and creative way for a child to “make music!”              – Andrea Dockery

“Debbie is a wonderful teacher and the content is presented in a fun and educational manner.”         – Kathy Hockenberry

“My daughter has just flourished over the years in the Kindermusik program. She is now in the Young Child class and I am amazed at her enthusiasm for learning music theory, practicing her instrument and her overall love of music. Debbie Mondale is a true inspiration.”    – Shelley Robinson

WOW!  Thanks to all for your wonderful thoughts.  It made me cry.  I miss the students already !

 

FANS get LOTS on the MC Facebook Page

My best friend from college got me started on Facebook, and it is amazing the connections I have made (people come popping out from the recesses of my memory).   It has been fun to relive and renew.

I am ALL about connections, esp. little musical ones, and I started generating ideas on what I could do with a Music Connections Facebook Page.  

So I set it up, a few months back, and tested it with my Village families,  and have been learning how to do all that I wanted to, and MORE.  

See the link in the Right Side bar.   

If you are on Facebook, PLEASE become a FAN !    If not, please consider it, there are some great benefits.

You can receive notifications of:

• Upcoming Music Connections events and semesters
• Upcoming Polk County events for children (esp. those focused on music)
• Links to any of my new blog postings, AND my eNewsletters
• Links to cool music videos, or online sites for fun with your children
• Newly uploaded pictures of my current Kindermusik families (with permission, of course)
• Juicy tidbits of ideas for fun musical activities with your family
• Short blurbs on how music can really make a difference in a child’s life

I would LOVE to have you join in the discussions on:

• “Parenting Advice VS Real Life”   - This is a place we can discuss our responses to advice we learn from (like Becky Bailey), and to advice where we may have a difference of opinion (like John Rosemond, or…  a child’s Grandmother).
•  “Family Routines and Rituals”  – From adding special rituals to our family’s daily routines, to making or keeping the rituals of family traditions of holidays alive… let’s SHARE !

Let’s keep connecting this summer.  I look forward to hearing from you.   BTW, don’t comment here – come connect on FB !