Lakeshore West Music Together's Music Program Engages Oakville Babies, Toddlers & Kids!

momstown Oakville's music and movement programs always bring out a big crowd and this morning was no exception.  Oakville moms and kids welcomed Miss Amber from Lakeshore West Music Together to lead us through a fun and engaging music program.  We had kids ranging from just a few months old up to five years of age and all of their eyes sparkled as we sang, danced, moved and played instruments during the 45 minute program.

Miss Amber Singing An Action Song 

Lakeshore West Music Together is new to Oakville and will now be offering Saturday classes starting on September 21st.  Register one child, and a sibling under 8 months (at time of registration) is free! Activities where siblings can be part of the same class can be hard to find but are so convenient for parents.  Even if your second child is over 8 months of age, a discounted rate for registering a second sibling applies.  All classes are for mixed ages.

Miss Amber kept all the kids engaged and smiling this morning.  Everyone got a chance to use shakers, instruments, a stretchy band and of course, their singing voices!

Miss Amber lead our group through some favourites such as Itsy Bitsy Spider but also had lots of new songs for the kids to learn as well.  The 45 minute program passed quickly as the kids were all enjoying themselves, and I'll be honest, us moms were too!  Music is always a great addition to the activities your kids may participate in so make sure you check out Lakeshore West Music Together's website for more information on their Fall registration.  

If you'd like to check out Miss Amber's classes, she is doing a free demo on Saturday, September 14th at 9:30 AM at the Oakville Parent Child Centre (461 North Service Road West).  To register for the free demo, please email amber@lakeshorewestmusictogether.com.  For more information on momstown Oakville and the events and programs we run each month, please visit our website to find out how you can join us.

Oakville Children's Choir Gives Kids Confidence & A Sense Of Community

The Oakville Children's Choir is a welcoming, professional and innovative community that provides exceptional music education, leadership development and performance opportunities for ages 4 - 25. The Oakville Children's Choir has achieved tremendous success over the past 17 years. Holding fast to its mission of providing world class choral, musical and performance training to young people in Halton, it has become a comprehensive music education programme for up to 150 auditioned choristers ranging in age from 5 through 18 years.  The Oakville Children's Choir's now has six choirs including "Little Notes" Preparatory Choir Program and “A Few Good Men”, a Boys and Young Men's Choir.

The Oakville Children's Choir presents 3-4 self-produced concerts annually for the community each featuring all levels of choir plus a guest artist. In addition, the choir performs at workshops, provides guest appearances at community functions, collaborates with other fine choirs and arts groups in Ontario, and tours internationally. To develop each chorister as an all-round musician, theory, musicianship, vocal coaching and workshops with professional artists, are all components of the choral program. Competitions and touring also add to the choristers' experience. The choir's wide range of repertoire, diverse concert programming and its high standard of performance have all earned it an excellent reputation within the performing arts community, both locally and internationally.

Does your child like to sing?  Auditions are taking place throughout the month of June for the 2013/2014 season at St. Simon’s Anglican Church.

Monday, June 3 from 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Monday, June 10 from 4:30 PM  - 9:30 PM

Saturday, June 22 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

Book your child’s audition today by phoning 905-337-7104.  We offer an early bird registration rate for the 2013/2014 season September enrollment if you register your child by June 15th, 2013.

Here's what some of the Oakville Children's Choir members have to say:

"Choir is amazing! It’s a place where you can express your feelings and be yourself. You can sing your best and feel comfortable. I feel like choir is another home, we are all like one big, happy family. Whenever a concert starts, I’m always nervous, but when I get up I just sing and I’m always then relaxed because I know that I have another 40 friends to back me up."

"Singing in performances has given me more self-confidence because you get used to being in front of large crowds and doing your best performances. Being in the Senior Choir has helped me create very special bonds and friendships with other choristers, especially when we went on retreat to Albion Hills. It was very special for me when we sang Give us hope for the PACT Urban Peace program. It really feels good to know that you are helping out in the community."

For more information on The Oakville Children's Choir, please see the contact information on their website  or visit their Facebook page.

Oakville music program for preschoolers offered by Merriam Music!

momstown Oakville moms and kids have had the pleasure of participating in a Merriam Music class for the past few months.  It's amazing to see how much the kids (of all ages) love the program and we have a packed house every single time.  Merriam Music in Oakville offers preschool programs and also a unique group piano lessons program.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

The Merriam School of Music preschool program for children 2 - 3 years of age introduces all of the areas of music literacy through song, movement, rhythm, and craft. Creativity, experimentation and repetition of these concepts create a strong foundation for and direct link to our Kids Keyfest Program.

What to expect from each 45-minute class:
-Set structure and routine for the class delivery
-Rhythm, pitch matching, coordination and basic musical language development through song
-Creativity & self-expression development through activities such as improvisation, story telling, crafts & listening games
-Social skills development through the building of collaborative relationships with others during the class over the course of the year
-Teamwork development through activities that are built to encourage cooperation, respect of self and others and personal accountability


KEYFEST GROUP PROGRAMS

The detail of the skills developed in addition to the 9 areas of musical literacy are crucial to understanding the philosophy behind the delivery and content of every lesson.

-Social skills can only be developed in social settings! Through the group lessons, students learn how to build relationships with others and how to collaborate within a set routine.
-Teamwork is a crucial component to lesson success and flow. All activities run in the group settings are built to encourage cooperation, respect of self and others and personal accountability.
-Leadership opportunities are consciously integrated into each lesson. Students learn to take responsibility for their own learning while simultaneously supporting others in their learning too. These opportunities are backed by support and encouragement from the teacher in order to build overall student confidence in stepping up to this role.
-Ensemble performance settings develop the ability to simultaneously listen internally (to what the individual is playing) and externally (to what the group is playing). These skills are necessary in order to adapt and respond in real time to what’s going on around the student. What a great skill to have later in life when running business meetings!

To find out more about Merriam Music programs, please visit their website.  momstown Oakville moms and kids are really looking forward to our November and December sessions!