Everything I Learned at a Kindergarten Graduation

                                                                             

It's that time of year when students of all ages are flying off, leaving the nest, heading on to bigger things.  As their Music Teacher, my students at Mistwood Montessori can count on singing some favorite songs at their end-of-year celebration.  Not at the actual graduation, which will take place several days later, but at the big culminating, relaxed, everyone's-invited-with-plenty-of-room-for-all, balloon-filled, potluck, park-setting, party!  Director, Patti, has arranged this event every year through many generations of families and staff.  It's become a beloved tradition of this Pre-K through K school.

Each time I do a special program with young children, I am impressed with how adaptable and go-with-the-flow they can be.  Here we were, gathered in a big circle, about 60 students in a setting most of them had never seen, much less "performed" in.  Their parents, siblings, teachers, extended families and assorted others were gathered behind and all around them to witness---and hopefully join in----the singing and signing of songs we'd been working on.  I had prepared them for what to expect, which makes a difference, but this would be the first and only time we'd actually be there doing it.  They trusted, they followed directions, they took part, they remembered lyrics, melodies, signs (a lot, anyway!), they stood for the whole thing (12 minutes?), there was no fainting or whining (that I noticed), and the Program proceeded and was declared a Success.  I so admire and appreciate these children, and I know in my heart that they are all Shining Stars! 

What I've Learned from Life & from these Graduates, and What I Know for Sure:

1. Singing together is a Good Thing 
2. Singing is fun to Share with Others
3. Preparing is Part of the Fun
4. Trust Things to Go as Planned
5. It's OK if Everything Does Not Go as Planned
6. Go With the Flow
7. Know that You'll Be Fine
8. Expect Good Things to Happen Wherever You Find Yourself

                    Happy Graduation to all the Graduates 

                        and to All of Us Who Love Them!

Mom's Singing Influence

My 86 year-old mom has been recuperating from some health issues, and while spending time together, we've been remembering some family stories.  I told her (for the umpteenth time) she should write her memoirs, and that when she's gone, who will answer all my questions about our shared history?

Brings to mind a song I used to do about "carrying on...when you're gone.." and how "we'll sing your songs..."  I haven't found that one yet, but did come across another called "We'll Carry On" by William Elliott Whitmore.

My mom sang lullabies to us and she sang passionate Latin songs while washing the dishes.  I'll always be grateful to my mom for encouraging me to sing and to share my music and for buying my first guitar for me the year we lived in Argentina.

Summer is just around the corner, and we were delighted to see our children's music CDs showcased in the world-class Holly Yashi Store's recommended treats for children.


We've always known that high-quality children's music albums make the perfect gift for the whole family----they entertain, educate, inspire, make wonderful company at home and school and on the road, and they last for years! 


Thanks, Holly Yashi, for promoting great music for families!

Music Memories

The following is from a recent post I submitted as a regular contributor for the blog, My Everyday Magic Each Monday, under my pen name, "The Song Fairy" I get to address the subject of music. This week I had to dig deep...

What's on the music menu for today? I've been sitting here thinking and thinking about what to post today for Music Monday and haven't been able to latch on to an idea to run with, which is a first for me, as I'm usually able to blab on and on about the subject. Maybe a stream of consciousness type of writing will do the trick? What keeps popping up is the idea of coming up with songs out of the blue---those little ditties that spring up sometimes in the moment. You know, like those of you with young children write in about, how kids can just start singing about anything and everything?

We just watched some video footage of our son, 5 at the time, raucously singing from the bathtub, "come in the bathroom, if you please..." over and over and then adding "It is Halloween day!" to the tune of "10 Little Children". He was so happy and in the moment and so full of ----song!

About that time I wrote a song about our daughter which starts:

"Genny's gettin' up, she's movin' around; She's leavin' the house, she's goin' to town!

Well, Genny's only six months, but whaddaya know; she's a tiny little girl baby on the go!"

Both children are all grown up, on their own, and thriving now. I'm so grateful to have these and many other music memories of their childhood. Music memories tend to stand out bright and clear.

What little snatches of song come to you from day to day? What rhymes, chants, sacred affirmations, or just plain silly phrases pop up along your daily round? Maybe some of these turn into favorites and you keep adding to them, embellishing them?

Whatever your magic is this day, wherever music may lead you, I'd love for you to share with us here today----please post in comments below...

Fairy wishes and music kisses,

The Song Fairy <3

Libraries and shopping local

Big shout-outs to our local libraries and all the local businesses who make our lives easier and more enjoyable!!

I so appreciate all the independent stores who make our CDs available and make shopping such a pleasure.

And what a joy it is to visit the library! I love to read and I love to sing, and I get to do both at libraries. Watch for the next family music event there!

Visit the library often, and whenever possible shop local! :D