Sampling

With school starting and the fall season coming, many parents are now actively trying to figure out their family schedule for the year. Hours can be spent on this as they try to "get everything in". Some reflection may be needed at this time of year to discover why families select their children's experiences they way that they do. After all, it is very hard work and management on the parents part for sure.

Parents are always seeking great experiences and events for their children. So much so these days that children are now in the habit of only attending classes and training, such as dance, gymnastics, swimming, music, martial arts, sports, etc, for a short time before going off to the next adventure. The major excuse that they give is "all their friends are doing something else and they want to be a part of it".

If children are constantly wandering from experience to experience, never staying long enough to learn the full scope of the experience and only sampling, the world will change drastically and not necessarily for the good. After all, if little Michael Jordan wanted to play every sport and only sampled basketball, he would of never of been as great as he was when playing for the Bulls. Same for Kevin Durant of the OKC Thunder. If Tiger Woods only sampled golf instead of putting hours of training in, he would of not made such an impact on the golf world at such a young age.

Think about it, no more Misty Copelands, Travis Walls, Maria Tallchiefs for the dance world. No more Michael Phelps of Nancy Hogsheads for the swimming world. No more Nadia Comaneci or Gabby Douglas for the gymnastic world. How horrible would that be?

Our world needs heroes and leaders in all parts of our lives. If Mozart or even the Beatles only played around at composing music, instead of working hard at mastering it, there is no telling what we would be listening to today.

Can you just hear Mozart saying "but mom.......everyone else is doing soccer". Or how about  Shirley Temple crying "but mom..... Sally's mom says she can pick and choose what ever she wants to do".

The point is this. Children will sample at everything they do if they are allowed to, and are not guided towards finding one or two things they can become great at. Children will continue to want to follow their friends, not because they really want to do what the friends are doing, but because they are afraid of being left out of the group. Children will do this because it is what they do. Unless they are guided towards those experiences that have the greatest life value, they may continue the pattern even as an adult.  Parents have a choice of guiding them towards possible greatness, or allowing them to wander from one thing to the other, never becoming great at anything.

Becoming great at one or two things, instead of mediocre at many things, is how leaders and heroes are trained for the future. Finding experiences that teaches self esteem, self confidence, self trust, team work, cooperation and yes even  how to be an individual that is not afraid to go out on their own may be a better direction for our children. This means selecting one or two experiences and helping them to dive in and swim around for years so that they have time to fully train and develop into great leaders and possibly even heroes of our world.

Sampling may be fine at a buffet to find out what you would like to eat, but over sampling many different experiences with no direction and guidance may be just as detrimental as over eating at the buffet in the long term.

Progressive parents, and parents of grown children that are now doing fantastic things with their adult lives, know and understand that if the adults of our world cannot guide and set standards to follow, children will never grow up to step forward to take leadership of their lives, business, country or world.

Guidance is a good thing. Learning to be an individual that can make strong choices they can follow through with is even better. Let's leave sampling to the buffet.

So When Is Big Not Better?

We sometimes have a problem in the states. It is the "Big Is Better" Syndrome. We choose to shop in large malls that provide a majority of Big Retail stores. We buy memberships to large shopping clubs to receive Big Discounts. We drive Big SUVs and have a Big Gas bill and insurance bill so that we have comfort and are considered well to do. We overlook the small fitness gyms in favor of the Big Ones, because that is where everyone goes.

We also look at Big Universities for our children, in hopes that it will bring about Big Accomplishments. We select Big Team Sports over individual ones, so that our child can sit the bench with the other 12 in case they do not get to play. We hold their birthday parties at the locations with the Biggest Party Room, just in case all 22 children invited might show up.

So when is BIG not really better?

We complain about our children's classrooms being over filled and the teacher has no time for each individual child. We complain about our daycare systems and how they do not hire enough top quality people to care for all the children on site.

We complain when the drive through at the local fast food place to get a meal for our children that is guaranteed to make them happy, is too long of a wait. And we complain that the drive is too far to the Bigger and Better school across town because we like their playground better.

We complain that our child does not get enough attention in a dance class because there are three lines, and ours is always on the back row. We complain that our child tool three years of gymnastics and cannot do a technically correct cartwheel yet. We complain that the band director at the public school has no time to work with our child and how unfair that is.

So when is Big Not Better?

We complain that our two hour trip to a movie theater to see a movie on a Bigger Screen with Bigger Sound was a bust because we did not like the movie. We complain that when we went to the Big Town for our anniversary, we had to wait for over an hour to be seated to eat.

So when is Big Not Better?

We complain that the special group we hold membership in, is no longer working for us and search out another Big Group or one that everyone wants to be a member of. We complain that life is  not fair and we want someone else life, happiness, family, friends, business, church, etc., etc.

So when is Big Not Better?

Well, I believe that Big is Not Better when the situation makes you unhappy and you can only see and hear the complaints. Nothing about staying in those situations, or seeking out other similar groups, places, sports, activities and friends, will make a Big Difference.

I can say that I do believe that smaller, more intimate, supporting, loving, positive and uplifting choices can make a Big Difference in your life and of those you love.

So when is Big Not Better in a fine arts school, gym or sport?

*When your child takes more than two years of classes and has not developed a vocabulary for the movements, steps, and technique.
*When your child cannot tell you what they worked on in class or training that day.
*When your child has not been helped to explore the history and passion of and for what they participate in.
*When your child is afraid to miss a practice or class because they had been "throwing up" the night before.
*When your child wants to sit the bench with 12 others so they "can belong" and not be noticed for their efforts or do so to please a friend or parent.
*When your child is so overlooked by the teacher or coach because they (the coach/teacher) do not see the value of having to help your child to become better. It is not their job.
*When you, as their parent, have tears in your eyes and hold disappointment in your heart because your child is not being fully valued.
*When your tears and disappointment have turned to anger and rage at the teacher or coach's insensitivity to those that are not included fully in some way.
*When your budget and time will not allow you to get private coaching and lessons so you can then put them back into the Big Events at a better or higher participating level.
*When you just want to yank them from the program and teach your child to quit.

When Small May Be Better........

Our daughters took part in group school sports as well as non-school groups and individual situations. They did not attend the largest dance conventions, sports camps or played on the most dominant summer sports leagues. All three attended small private universities. They competed in small group and solo dance competitions. All three were involved in university level sports. They are all doing very well in life and are now raising their own families. One is a mental health expert, another a Chiropractor and the other a multi business manager.

When together and reminiscing about their time together, they talk only a tiny bit of time about their school sports and large group activities. Mostly they talk and laugh about the good times and friends at our school, dance conventions, dance recitals, solos dances that went well and some that did not. I love taking a back seat and watching all of this instead of joining in and trying to lead the conversation. They watch old dance recital videos. They ask if I know what ever happened to former friends and classmates.

I get teary eyed at times at watching this amazing thing that happens. I see how strong they are. How well rounded they are in life, without being too well rounded that they are a square peg that does not fit. I am happy that I said "no" a few times to groups they wanted to be a part of for all the wrong reasons. And I know that Big is Not Better because it never gives you the time and the space to find your real self and your own passions.

The Value of Dance Classes by Rhiannon McGinnis Tuck

We have another guest BLOGGER today. Former student Rhiannon McGinnis Tuck shares with you what dance meant to her and how it has empowered her life as a public educator and parent of twin girls:

My name is Rhiannon McGinnis Tuck and I have been teaching Kindergarten for 11 years. I have always loved dance and I started dancing when I was just 2 years old and continued formally dancing until my freshman year of college. Dance has taught me so much in life and one thing that it has taught me is dedication. To be a dancer you have to be dedicated- to practice, stay healthy, stretch, etc. Through my dedication that I had towards dance I have learned to keep trying in all that I do. I know that practice makes permanent and I have carried this over into my classroom to teach my students. I have taught them to practice things that are taught and it will get easier. It has also helped me out being a mom and helping my girls. I have taught them and shown them to have dedication in all that they do in life whether it be sports, dance, or school.

Dance has taken me many places in my life. Some of my very fondest memories involve dance in some way. I actually did things through dance that I never dreamed I would get to do. Some of these include: dancing in the halftime of the Citrus Bowl Game, dancing on a cruise ship, dancing during high school football games, and being on a competitive dance team. What fun learning experiences I had from being in dance.

As an adult a way that I still incorporate dance into my life is every morning in school I dance with my Kinders. It is a great brain break and they LOVE free dancing and me teaching them dances. It is a bonding experience for us all. It also helps keep up fit and active in a very fun way. I also take a ZUMBA class and since I grew up being a dancer I catch onto the dances very easily and I love dancing to stay in shape! It is so fun it doesn’t even feel like exercise.

I am a mother of twin 8 year old girls. One of my highlights of being a mom is that now my girls are taking dance class. I get to see the love and passion of dance through their eyes. Since I grew up dancing I can properly help them with their dance routines. I then get to see them on stage dancing and having the time of their life! I can honestly say that dance has made one of the biggest impact on my life!

Skills and Values From Dance by Krista Smith Asbell

Note* Dear readers, I have asked some former students, that are now grown and parenting their own children , to write as a guest blogger on what skills and values they received from taking dance classes, that they now realize have carried over to their adult life. My hope is that this will be fresh, first hand information that new families to dance or other classes will find helpful in supporting their child's effort. I believe you will find great value in the perception of these young mothers.

 

Our first Guest Blogger is Krista Smith Asbell :

 

I have always loved to dance.  My parents used to take me to a Mexican restaurant that had a mariachi.  When I was 18 months old, I would climb out of my seat and dance to the mariachi's music.  Today, 28 years later, one of my favorite things to do is to go dancing with my husband or dancing in the living room with my 18 month old daughter.  Dance taught me so many things.  It taught me how nothing comes without hard work, to live a healthy lifestyle, and if you’re having a bad day – get moving!  I can not wait for my daughter to start dance lessons, so I can watch her grow, not only as a dancer, but as a person. 

            I began dance as an activity when I was in the third grade.  When I was in the fourth grade, I begged Miss Mary to not take ballet.  However, I disappointingly enrolled for tap, jazz, and the dreaded ballet.  See, I did not understand that ballet is the foundation for ALL types of dance.  I had no idea the great things ballet, alone, was doing for me.  Ballet, in my opinion, is the hardest type of dance.  It is more structured, requires more technique, and requires more muscle control and conditioning than the other forms of dance.  Without ballet, you can be a good dancer, but you can not be a great dancer! From this experience, I learned you will not get any where in life, unless you do the work first.  To achieve anything in life, there is always lots of sacrifices and hard work to first be completed. 

            Dance established the basis for me to be healthy.  I wasn't just going to dance lessons; it was like going to therapy every week.  I may have walked into dance with four tests at school that week, drama among junior high girls, and life in general, but not when I walked out.  When I left dance, I felt like a whole new person!  Dance lets you express yourself in a healthy way, when sometimes, there are no words to express what you are feeling.  It was also intense, low impact exercise.  It was great cardio, especially with Miss Mary’s tap routines! Even though ballet wasn't my favorite, it was excellent conditioning, and I grew to appreciate ballet. To this day, I keep active to minimize stress, support muscle tone, also it makes me feel good.   

           I also gained an appreciation of all types of music.  Dance helps in so many aspects of life, especially a young person's life.  It increases athletic abilities, engages both right and left brain thinking, creates excellent posture, and builds confidence. I can’t think of a better activity for children to keep their mind, body, and soul healthy. I am still reaping the benefits of dance today.  Dancing made me happy and still does.  Anytime I catch my toddler dancing, I encourage her – whether we are in public or at home – because I know it makes her happy.  That is the most wonderful thing about dance, it makes people happy.  If the music makes you want to move, then get moving!

Krista Smith Asbell

Public Educator

Just Part Of The Uniform

Traditionally, dance schools have had required class dancewear. Such as the one piece leotard, tights (absolutely), waist belt or skirt, hair tightly secured (most often a bun). For boys, black tights/pants, belt, white shirt. The uniform of a dancer, was much like the uniform of a Girl or Boy Scouts uniform. It meant that you were privileged to be a member of an important group of boys and girls your age, your level and studying/being a part of  your interest or passion. 

Much like private schools have had their "uniforms", dance uniforms also served a need. It allowed you to be able to focus on what you were in attendance for. No distractions. No worrying that someone else may have on something that is better than what your parents could afford or that your current wear did not meet the current social trends.

Then there were the crossovers. The one that sticks out the most was after the movie Flashdance hit the big screen, and the next thing you knew was that dancewear was now cool enough to be street wear....LEGWARMERS! Shrugs were available on almost every little girls Easter dress for awhile too. Admit it! You have either seen others wearing these dance items, or you did it yourself! And oh, how... cool... it... was...!

Today, it is the SOCK BUN! So cool! So nifty! So handy! You don't even need clean hair for it! Right? Of course! But guess what cultural Fashionistas, dancers beat you to it! Yep! Sock buns have been around for generations and dancers have been sporting them in classes even before you knew what they were! So cool! So nifty! So in style!

My point is, if what dancers wear in class (or are suppose to wear in class) is so hip today on the street, why do we struggle getting our dancers, acrobats and gymnasts to show up for class properly prepared? Why are we purchasing a ring of hair ties to have on hand because we know that we will need to hand them out at the beginning of class? Why do we have to ask, "where is your leotard?"

If a uniform , that allows you to be part of a very special group or class that some young men and young ladies would beg their parents for, why do you not come bursting through the doors of our school shouting "HERE I AM! AREN'T I AMAZING?!"

Is it because we have forgotten to tell you how amazing you are? Or is it because we have forgotten to remind you every week that you are a part of a very special class of young people that hold the breathe of your audience every time you turn, leap, pause or smile from the stage. No other athlete has that ability. Seldom do you see a football or basketball player able to bring tears to their audiences eyes except...... for when they.... loose.... the..... game.

Yes being part of your dance or gymnastics class, fully uniformed, means a little bit of extra work. It means you have to remember where you put your leotard. It means you have to remember that tights are a dancers tool to warm the muscles. It means you have to take a moment to say to yourself......
"I am amazing! So let's go work on being able to make other people hold their breathe and tear up, while I move my marvelous body across the floor. I am powerful. I am special. I am a dancer!

New Classes This Fall

New classes will be added to the fall schedule to accommodate students that are homeschooler, virtual schooled or in our Learning Coach Service program. These classes will be held in the early afternoon ( and possibly in the mornings).

Classes we are planning on offering this fall are Ballet I and II, Ballet Technique Class, Jazz I and II, Tap I and II. Pre-Tumble and Dance will also be offered for our Preschool and Pre-K students that are registered in the Move-N-Learn Academy. By offering earlier classes, these student will be able to blend their training into their school day and receive many benefits of physical activity and more.

Also offered in the earlier class periods will be group music and vocal as well as art.

Those interested in the classes need to pre-register by May 1st to be assured the class will be held. A delay in registration could mean the class could be filled or dropped from the schedule.

Registration for the Learning Coach Services is also due by May 1st.

The Unmentioned Heroes

Recently in class, a conversation broke out among students approximately age 9-12 years of age. The conversation turned to heroes. One of the things that I noticed was that the majority of the heroes that they admired were actually cartoon heroes and not real people that they could actually look up to. Really? What is wrong with that?

It was not that I wanted them to mention dancers or musicians, although throughout history there have been many worth mentioning. Like one of my heroes from childhood that always changed a bad situation into a wink and a smile, Shirley Temple. But it would of been nice if it had not been a pretend action hero.

Heroes should be people that have made a difference in our society. Whether they meant to or not, they changed us and changed us for the good. Heroes should be those that have made a stand or a high commitment and saw it through. Someone that was brave, even if they did not feel brave every moment of their life.

But true heroes are people that do not even realize that they are held in high honor. People that are just trying to get through the day, the week, the month, the year. People that work hard and do not even know that some people notice.

A few years back we had a hero here at our studio and she never knew it. No one even mentioned her as a hero and maybe we did not realize she was at the time, because all of us were just trying to get through the day, the week, the month, the year.

There was a parent that had her children in classes with us. The oldest had been in class for some time actually, when their life changed. You see, the husband and dad, decided he did not want to be a family any more. Being high school sweethearts was not enough to carry them through.

I remember the day the mom came to me and told me the story of how it all unfolded and that she would have to take her children out of classes. I remember my heart sinking , not because I was going to loose multiple students, but because I just did not know how this could of happened to someone so sweet. I remember looking at her and thinking she is so brave and I am going to fall to pieces any moment!

Because of the trauma that I felt the children were going through, I told her to not pull the children out. I asked that she allow them to finish at least the year because I thought that dance could be an outlet for them. No charge! It was what I felt I needed to do, and I am very certain that there are many other teachers that have done or would do the same. We are attached to our students like they are part of our family.

This mother, someone I had known many years and way before either of us had any children, looked at me and said only if I can pay for it by helping some way. She became our new janitor that day.

But more than that she became a hero that day. You see, this is not about a poor mom stuck with kids, no job and no husband. This is about a woman that took on the challenge of life! She had the ability to change things and she did.

She got a job. Actually two jobs in fast food restaurants (plus still doing janitorial for her children's classes) because she had no work history for others to hire her. Marrying her high school sweetheart and raising kids was her job for years. But, shed no tears because from two fast food establishments, she eventually made it to some college and then to the director of one of the best daycares in the area. Still raising kids.

But that is not the end of the story. She continued to work at raising her beautiful children, they continued over the years to take classes from us. She eventually continued her education and completed her degree. Children moved on to college. Now they are married. A grandparent!

In between she did re-marry for a time and took care of her own parents. Eventually, she moved away to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

I wonder at times if she realized what a great story she has created for her children to hand down to her grandchildren? I wonder if she ever knew that others sat back and wondered how she ever did it. I wonder if anyone ever realized how much power this one quiet woman really has.  I wonder if she knew that she is some ones hero. Probably not, because some of the best heroes never even knew that they were changing the game of life because they did not know someone was watching.

So maybe today we should all watch and notice unmentioned heroes. And instead of being quiet about it, maybe we should speak up and tell them, "You know, I've learned a lot from you. Thanks for being my hero today."

Here is to unmentioned heroes. See if you can find a few to learn from too. Now take THAT Batman! ((POW))!!

Why A Dance Education Versus Just Learning A Dance?

There are many different types of dance studios around our nation. And rightly so because not all families are looking for the same thing when it comes to placing their children in a dance program.

There are the "activity" studios. These are the ones that can come up with great activity style classes that only run six to eight weeks at a time. Low commitment and made for fun and to give the parents a break from their children once in awhile.

There are "lets learn a dance" studios that start teaching a dance at the beginning of the season and take the entire season to complete or polish it.

There are "competition" studios where every class in the studio, with maybe the exception of the baby classes, compete. That is their goal and target. Attend competitions.

There are the studios that see what they do as an education. They not only teach dances, but actually how to dance. Techniques is important and impressed upon their students because they want to be sure if these students do one day decide to audition for a university dance department or for a professional show, that they have the skills and training to make it.

Take these four types of studios and you will see even a different blend. Such as the Educational Studio that understands and can meet the educational side with still allowing a few students to compete. Why only a few? Because they are hand selected and not open called for auditions. These hand selected students are ones that parents understand that this is more that just getting on a stage and getting a trophy. It is about performance value and learning about performance.

Then there is the studio that the competitions are actually an activity because not enough time is spent on technique, but instead tricks to make the audience yell out for them (have you ever experience yelling "get it girl" during a Nutcracker performance by a professional company?). Although entertaining, these dancers seldom go on to higher levels of dance opportunities, and even if they tried they are generally turned away.

Dance is an education of movement, correct sequences and technique in execution. It should be fun or your child will not enjoy it. It should be measurable or your child will not know if they are advancing or not. It should be balanced with technique and learning a dance.

Yes, dance is an education. So is performance. An education that can take them to as high as they want to achieve, if they have the right start.

I Can't Get Her/Him To Practice

Well, of course you cannot! No child ever wants to do what their parent's want them to. Right?
As director of Academy of Fine Arts, I do understand you wanting them to practice their art of music, dance, gymnastics, etc. a good thirty minutes a day. But believe me, as a parent also, it just is not going to happen!

At least it is not going to happen at the day, time and moment you want it to. I too struggled with the idea that my child (or even grandchild) should be working out every day and practicing what we are paying for. Even though I own the school, I still had to pay the teachers that my family members took under and wanted to be sure that I got what I was paying for! Reasonable, right? Not really when you stop and think about it.

I finally realized that I was not paying tuition for my child to practice. I was actually paying tuition for my child to "take a weekly lesson" and that practicing at home just did not fit into the mix at all.
So this meant that I had to re-focus my intentions and re-direct my children (and grandchildren) to a whole new idea of what practice might be.

Ever wonder why on weekends that your child "plays school" when they have already been in school all week?  You would think they would be tired of school, right? When in fact what they are doing is not practicing their school work, but actually putting what they had learned during the week into action. Playing school is not work, it is a fun project!

So why not allow practicing dance or music, stretching for gymnastics or writing choreography and theatrical movements be play? Why not allow them to take what they have learned from class this week and teach it back to imaginary friends, dolls, stuffed animals or siblings?

I can remember parents in the past asking how my children became accomplished dancers, gymnasts, athletes and musicians (yes they all played instruments as well as danced, tumbled, played softball and basketball and even  cheered). How many hours a week did I make them practice? My answer? ZERO. Not even when they were in the high school band. Why? Because I did not want to push them towards "I want to give up".

Instead of practicing at home, we played. They played "dance teacher", "gymnastic coach", " cheer coach". "music teacher", "band director" to their siblings, friends from across the street, their dolls and stuffed bears, and yes even to family members that were over for dinner or adult friends that had stopped by.

Every weekend was a time that they worked on putting together a new performance, The performance was usually unveiled on Sunday evenings in its full array of music, movement, singing and playing instruments! I actually miss those performances. They were creative, colorful, cooperative and insightful. They changed with the seasons. They changed with the weather. But they were all wonderful!

There was no scheduled practice time at home. Ever. But once in high school and having a playing test the next week, the instruments did come out. They came out for practice on their own, because now there was something at risk. Grades.

Once in Junior and Senior High, you would find them stretching and working out on their own. Why? Because now there was competition dance team, cheer squad, basketball team, softball team and skills they wanted to get down for class.

Practice is something that I believe a child has to grow into. Before age 12 years, it is best to leave it up to play. After all, all of the current personal development coaches say, "If you want to become an expert at something, first learn to teach it."

So let the young child teach what they have learned to other, imaginary and real. And keep the classes there on a weekly basis so that they can teach something new each week. Let them grow into their art methods. Let them grow as a teacher. Let them grow into a wonderful, accomplished sons and daughters. Let them play.

What Music Should I Allow My Young Child To Listen To?

This is a question that we hear very often. But we also hear from the parents how proud they are that their children know the lyrics of some very adult songs as well.

Music lyrics are another form of language. A language that children pick up very quickly due to it being connected to music. Just like you would be selective as to what the language  usage is in movies that your children watch, you probably should be careful as to what songs are playing on the radio in the car going down the road. Just when we think they are not listening, they generally are.

Music for children abounds the market in the stores and by digital download. But even though some profanity has been removes, parents need to listen closely to the meaning of the lyrics. Ever wondered where your child "got that?". Check the music that YOU are listening to.

Music should be age appropriate, entertaining and have a learning situation attached to it. But don't forget to introduce a few of the classics and music that is instrumental and calming as well.

Yes, there are many options for music for your children. And most parents make wise decisions in selecting their child's music that they intend to allow their children to listen to. It is when, as adults, we have adult music playing for our own enjoyment that we forget about the child size ears and brains that may be listening too.

For more information regarding ways of selecting music for your young children to listen to, we suggest this PBS site article:

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/what-music-should-my-child-listen-to/

Ever Thought Of Sharing Your Talent?

We are currently accepting resumes for teaching positions. Applicants must be able to pass a background check and be at least 18 years of age. Positions available are mostly part time but we do offer the ability to cross over into other departments to bring you closer to full time.
Positions are open in our Woodward and Enid locations.

Positions now open are:

Piano Teacher                                          Guitar Teacher                        Band Instrument Teacher
Drum Teacher                               Mom & Me Music Teacher               Music Fun Time Teacher
Ballet Teacher                                         Tap Teacher                             Jazz/ Hip Hop Teacher
Lyrical Teacher                               Contemporary Teacher                    Acrobatic Teacher
Gymnastics Coach                       Cheerleading/Tumbling Coach           Art Teacher
Academic Preschool Teacher         Academic Pre-K Teacher                 Learning Coaches

Resumes can be emailed to teacherapplications2000-enid@yahoo.com
                                            teacherapplications2000-woodward@yahoo.com

"I have a talent.....Thank you for the music..."

On the Momma Mia movie soundtrack, there is a hidden track of Thank You For The Music sung by Amanda Seyfried. Have you ever found it? If not, keep looking.  It is well worth the time to search and listen to.........

 Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing 
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing 
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty 
What would life be? 
Without a song or a dance what are we? 
So I say thank you for the music 
For giving it to me 

When you stop and think about it, what would the world be like without music? Music to move to, music to sing along to, music to evoke emotion and connection (that is why there is always a musical soundtrack playing behind the action packed movies), etc, etc.

Would we still move? Would we still cry at a movie? Would we still sway? Would we still sing? When you stop and think about it, what kind of would we we live in? No Star Spangled Banner. No Christmas carols. No Wedding March. No lullabies. No Amazing Grace. No dancing in the moonlight with the love of our life. No family sing a longs in the car. No Over The River and Through The Woods.

Music is a big part of our culture and has been since biblical ages. Music tells a story. Music sets a mood. Music is something that should never be hidden. 

Our connection to music is very much documented throughout time. Music changes from decade to decade. But as humans, we do not. We still smile when we hear a new song or an upcoming artist. Music also helps to set memories for a lifetime.

Yesterday, several musicians from our music school in Woodward, had a chance to share their hidden musical talents. Smiles were everywhere (and a few anxious parental faces too, for a short time). Music is something we should share openly with everyone. We should not be afraid to share our talents and growing talents. Not ever! 

Share on musicians! Great job yesterday!

"There's A Party Going On Right Here......".

Let's Celebrate!.............as the song goes, parties are great fun and filled with celebrations! And we have some new "party" events that are being planned right now!

Awesome fun is just around the corner for your child with new events that have never been offered before. Fun events for ages 2-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-16 yrs and family events too! Some will be held onsite and others are being planned for secret off site events too!

Tell your friends and family today to start watching our BLOGS, Website and Facebook pages for more information on how you can be a part of these fantastic events and new classes!

"There's A Party Going On Right Here........" and we hope to see you there!

The Value of Art for the Preschool Child

Art is basic. Of course, every subject area is important, but no program for young children could succeed without emphasizing art. Through making, looking at, and talking about their own artwork and the art of others, three-, four-, and five-year-old children are doing the following:

http://www.education.com/reference/article/value-art-preschool-children/