Kid's, Parents and Teachers can enjoy this together. Grow into a tree, find out who's in the kitchen eating all the pie or "Rock the Note". Movement, theater and music theory for preschoolers.

12 MP3 Songs
KIDS/FAMILY: Sing-Along/Interactive, KIDS/FAMILY: Educational

Details:
In January, 2004 Brittany McMains, a professional singer/ dancer/ actress, decided to develop an innovative preschool program designed to teach children the basics of music theory, vocal training, dance and theatre. âThe Musical Kids program offers something that other preschool music programs have failed to provide,â says Brittany, âclasses full of exciting, high energy songs, games and exercises that keep the children up and active.â One fun activity that keeps the children constantly involved in the learning process is âMusical Alphabet Towerâ. The children learn a short song to help remember the 7 letters in the musical alphabet and then match letter cards up with that of the teacherâs to create a colorful tall tower. Another great example of the interactive learning that goes on in Musical Kids class is called âLetâs Build A Staffâ. In this exercise a giant musical staff is laid out on the floor. The children are each given a musical alphabet card and as the letters are called out by the teacher, the children jump onto the line or space on the staff that belongs to their card. Like the cards, every item used in class can be utilized in different ways. The teachers use rhythm sticks, shakers and tambourines to show how to find the beat of a song, but the fun doesnât stop there. These instruments are also used to teach musical terms like allegro (fast), largo (slow), forte (loud), and piano (soft). The Musical Kids teachers are always creating new lessons and activities so classes never get dull. While the classes are always changing to keep up with the needs and growing knowledge of the students, there are a few things that stay constant. For example, the class always sits down to do vocal warm-ups before it is time to sing, just as a professional artist would. The teachers help the class learn to use their head, chest and mix voice. The children are then free to explore their voice through song. With guidance from the teacher, they work to match pitch and phrasing. When they begin to feel confident they get a chance to sing using the microphone. A typical class includes more than just music theory and singing. Each is kicked off with a whole body warm-up to get ready for the dancing that lies ahead. The kids are taught basic dance moves and terminology like plie (to bend), releve (to rise), battement (to kick), tendue (to point) and chasse (to chase). The teachers then create a spirited bit of choreography that incorporates the moves that they have learned in class. At the end of the semester, parents get to observe their child in dancing action at the student recital. Because creative thinking is a big part of class, children are encouraged to express themselves through body movement with ribbons and scarves. Imagination is the key! âThe theatre portion of class is my favorite,â says Andrea McGuire, a Musical Kids teacher since 2005. âIt is a thrill to watch the kidsâ imaginations come to life. Whether we are becoming animals or butterflies or represent trees as they change through the seasons, I am always in awe of the new and inventive ideas the children develop. We are there to inspire creative confidence in these children and what is amazing is that they wind up inspiring us too.â It is that very inspiration that is taking Musical Kids to the next level. In 2007 Brittany McMains and Andrea McGuire began collaboration on a new project. âWe realized that a lot of the music that we needed for our program, did not exist,â the ladies explained. It was at this point that they decided to start writing their own songs. The response was overwhelming. The children loved the songs and the teachers at the preschools who got to listen to class each week were asking where they could get the CD. Realizing that they had found something special that could teach the fundamentals of music, dance and theatre and be enjoyable for both child and adult, the two began work on the âRhythm Townâ album. âOur goal is truly to help children develop skills that will allow them to meet the challenges of academic growth as well as gain the confidence to pursue creative endeavors,â they stated. âWe really believe that this album is a big step in that direction and canât wait to bring a little bit of the Musical Kids program to the masses. Our hope is to reach children in a way that makes learning fun and exciting and to inspire children and parents to continue to enrich their lives with song, dance and imagination.â âRhythm Townâ contains 12 original songs written, arranged and sung by Brittany McMains and Andrea McGuire. It is being produced and recorded by Kelly McGuire. On April 12th and 13th the album will have itâs world debut at Baby Celebration L.A., a trendy boutique showcase at the L.A. Convention Center.

People who are interested in should consider this download.