Laurel School of Music

Tot-Tunes/Tot-Crafts

Fall 2009 Tot-Tunes/Tot-Crafts Young Child Program

 

Start Date:          Saturday October 24   10am.

Ages:                  Children 1-3 years old

Location:            Laurel  School of Music

628 Main Street

Laurel, MD  20707 (see Directions on Tot-Tunes/Crafts Information Sheet)

 

SEE DOWN LOADABLE DOCUMENTS BELOW

 

Course Description:

 

The Laurel School of Music has developed it's own unique Young Child Music and Crafts development program.  In years past, LSM offered a program that centered solely around musical activities. Starting with the Spring/Summer 2009 program, LSM has expanded it's program to include simple fun crafts.

 

Tot-Tunes/Crafts Philosophy

 

          The philosophy behind Tot-Tunes/Crafts is SIMPLE. We want your child's first experience with a musical program to be fun, invigorating, and accepting.  Although Parents and adults may appreciate all the early childhood theories and philosophies about early musical activity, a Tot simply needs to associate musical activities as something totally fun and exciting.  We demonstrate instruments for the Tots so that they begin to develop a curiosity about instruments and music making.  We have Tots play simple musical instruments so that they can associate the rhythm of music with the making of sounds.

          Most importantly, we provide a musical  and craft activity vehicle where Tot and parent(s) can have musical fun TOGETHER.

          The Laurel School of Music believes that the above developmental features are best shared in a non-performance, non-competitive, involvement centered atmosphere.  In other words, the emphasis is on the participation, not the performance of activities, songs, and movements.

 

Our Tot-Tunes/Tot-Crafts Program offers the following:

 

7 activity session dates (first session Saturday, October 24 10am

Each Sessions is one-hour in length

 

Generally, each session will include some or all of the following:

 

Musical activitydancing, acting, playing simple instruments

(drums, sticks), engaging simple props (scarves, hats, etc.)

All activity will be to music.

 

Instrument demonstration:   Many session will include a presentation

and demonstration of real musical instruments played by the instructors.

 

Instrument Exploration:   Many sessions will include a hands-on

exploration of real instruments - violins, cellos, trumpets, drums.  Tots will get to touch, play, and make musical sounds on these instruments.

The Tot-Tuners will gain exposure to the sounds, the look of the instrument and the different ways music is made with the instrument.  Tot-Tunes believes this exposure develops not only a familiarity to the instrument, but a curiosity about the instrument.

 

 

          Craft Project:          At least 4 sessions (maybe more) will involve a  

simple craft project. These projects will involve both Parent and Tot.  These projects include decorating picture frames, painting/decorating small wood items, tie-dye T-shirts (Tot will provide the T-shirt), and more.  Except for the T-shirt, all craft materials are included. The craft activity may take the entire session or share the session with the musical activity portion.

 

Instructors - The classes for this program are taught by Aliki N. Arbach, a music educator, flautist, and coordinator of a Children/Musical class in Columbia.  The second educator is Mr. Alvin Roda, Director of the Laurel School of Music who plays trumpet, guitar, violin, cello, saxophone, drums, and piano for the Tot-Tunes program.  Both educators have many years of instructing children in private lessons as well as being parents of small children themselves.

Other staff members may also assist in the sessions.

 

          Materials to buy - There are no materials to buy in addition to the program fee. (This is another difference between Tot-Tunes and other programs which often require participants to buy additional materials of up to $50).

          Tots will be asked to bring a white T-shirt for the tie-dyeing activity.

 

We sincerely hope that you and your child join us in this wonderful musical journey.

 

Please feel free to call the Director, Al Roda, 301 498 4479 or e-mail at aroda@laurelschoolofmusic.com or visit our web-site www.laurelschoolofmusic.com.

 

A quick note as to behavior in the class

         Tot-Tuners are asked to remove their shoes during class activities.

         There is a "no touching" policy that we request parents to monitor.  Obviously, Tot-Tuners will occasionally bump or contact each other during the activity and interaction and socialization is an important part of the Tot-Tunes activity.  We only ask the parent or guardian to monitor the Tot-Tuners' movements so that all Tot-Tuners can enjoy the class.  Examples of activities to avoid are:

             Hurtful actions - hitting, kicking, etc.

             Actions that may cause distress - hugging, tumbling, wild running, kissing.

 

In the past, we have had very, very little difficulty in maintaining a safe and fun environment for all our Tot-Tuners - this has been due to the close and attentive watch that the instructors and parents/guardians have used in the class.  We look forward to seeing you at the next Tot-Tunes session.  Please do not hesitate to contact the Director, Al Roda, 301 498 4479 for any questions or comments you may have on these matters.

 

 

The following forms are available: