First Informance a Success!

The elementary music department had its first informance on Wednesday, October 27, 2010.  The session was designed for parents of Kindergarten/Grade 1 students.  In the session we included ways in which parents could incorporate musical activities with no preparation or changes in schedules.  Ideas were presented by using literature as one means of incorporating music by the choice of books used when reading to children.  Also, parents were encouraged to listen to music WITH their child and ask guiding questions such as what do you hear?  Is the music loud or soft?  Fast or slow?  High or low?  Long sounds or short sounds? 

Movement activities were also encouraged whether it be in creative movement, using props such as scarves or any other type of safe physical expression.  Parents were also encouraged to become "childlike" themselves, to just have fun!

An estimated total of 25-30 parents attended and many of them brought their children as you can see from the pictures.  This response was totally unexpected!  The students had fun and since the parents stayed for the whole time and clapped at the end, I think they liked it!

"Freebies"were given away as well.  The Music Educators National Conference (MENC) theme for this school year is "Music lasts a lifetime."   The music boosters ordered pencils and buttons for distribution to parents for this informance as a reminder that music matters. 

Oh, and by the way, parental permission was granted for the photos when they signed in to the informance.  The stipulation was that no names would be posted.  How cool is that! Overall, I think we were successful.

The next informance is scheduled for Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 7:30pm.  The focus will be on 2nd grade music.  We will be utilizing the recorder instrument as the primary focus, but will also use movement activities and literature to again assist parents in making music at home with their child.  Check back next week for details!