[pullquote]Summer 2016 Teacher Training Days Announced[/pullquote]
Reviews
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolor=”FAF9C8″ bgcolorto=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolorto=”FAF9C8″]In my time at Grace, the Early Childhood Music Program was a cornerstone of the mission of the church and responsible for much of its explosive growth. The parish continues to grow. Children not only learn to love music, but also to evangelize their parents and friends. It is hard to overestimate the importance of Danny’s work.
The Rev. W. Bruce McPherson
Interim Rector, The Church of the Good Shepherd, Burke, VA
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolor=”D3F0D7″ bgcolorto=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolorto=”D3F0D7″]The Grace music program has been such a gift to our family. Not only does it provide an avenue for the children of the church to get to know each other better, but it has taught our young children music theory and discipline. The first time I saw my six year old perform in the chimes choir my heart leapt into my throat. Here was this young child, reading music without even thinking about what she was doing. Now she sings with the junior choir and is even mentoring newer members.
By presenting the content to the children in the form of games and fun activities, this program teaches children rhythm, notations, and basics of singing. The transformation from the first “cherubs” class to the more advanced “chimers,” and then junior choir is truly amazing.
I really believe that our church is flourishing in large part because of this music program. Most of the young families at the church participate, and the program is growing more and more popular as word spreads. At Grace, the program is free of charge and attracts families who might not otherwise join a church. Once they start coming to classes, they then attend the monthly performances, and eventually join the church after they realize what a wonderful, vibrant community it is. The future of any church lies in its young people, and this program is an amazing way to foster that part of our community.
Aimée Primeaux
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolor=”F7D9E9″ bgcolorto=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolorto=”F7D9E9″]Our five-year-old really looks forward to the engaging lessons, planned with various instruments, a walkable keyboard and staff, and lots of music and fun. In two short years, she has learned the basics of music theory and enjoyed doing it. Further, the opportunity to perform a rehearsed piece of music during the occasional Sunday service have been beneficial to her engagement with the church and her self-confidence. We get to know other children and their families through the music program, which helps to foster the atmosphere of church fellowship.
Erica Bader
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”DCF7F5″ cbgcolor=”DCF7F5″ bgcolorto=”DCF7F5″ cbgcolorto=”DCF7F5″]I would try by saying that we were hoping for three things when we learned about the music program at Grace: encouragement to love music and find voice, spiritual learning for very young children, and an inclusive, non-judgmental community. And these we found! What you added that’s the icing on the cake was real music theory and a good dose of fun! Even for the littlest. Incorporating movement made the lessons stick, and let kids be kids. Having teens co-teach showed them what their own next steps could be, and organizing around special services taught them what sacred music means, how to be part of a group and how to make their talents a gift.
Cynthia Colas
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolor=”FAF9C8″ bgcolorto=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolorto=”FAF9C8″]I’ve had two children participate in Cherub’s Music (and another waiting for his turn!) and the program has enriched both my children and the church we attend. My children look forward to their time in choir because music theory is cleverly disguised as playing games! I’ve marveled as both children have quickly mastered complicated rhythm patters and basic note reading, all while playing with their friends. The program is fast paced; there’s no time to get bored.
I love that our kids are prepared to perform for our church congregation through weekly practice. They look forward to the performances and, I believe, feel more invested in the church through their gift of music. I have watched this music program bring new families to the church, drawn by the quality of the music program and the community of parents who arrive on a weekly basis.
In short, I cannot recommend this program highly enough; it has enriched our church community and my children have learned a tremendous amount of music theory, all while having fun.
Amy Ard
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolor=”D3F0D7″ bgcolorto=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolorto=”D3F0D7″]Our daughter is in her third year as part of the Grace early childhood music program. The music program is why we started attending, and then later becoming members of Grace. Through the music program we have been able to meet other families with young children and Raya has learned so much about both music theory and performing. Music theory is presented in such a creative way through games and tactile activities perfect for young learners. Equally important is that the children are able to participate in services and show off what they have learned.
Eve and Dan McCarey
Grace Episcopal parents
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolor=”F7D9E9″ bgcolorto=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolorto=”F7D9E9″]The way I’d put it, is that the way you have designed the program so the kids don’t even realize that you’re teaching them how to read music at all — it just seems like play — always amazes me. I find myself learning alongside Morgan (I never really learned how to read music, so it’s an education for me, too).
Amy Miller
Grace Episcopal parent & former Vestry member
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”DCF7F5″ cbgcolor=”DCF7F5″ bgcolorto=”DCF7F5″ cbgcolorto=”DCF7F5″]I think the Cherubs Music program was a great way to introduce Sophia to music. She enjoyed the program. The program is very beneficial for the church as it allows families with young children to immediately engage in some of the programs offered at the church, meet new people and give kids a good foundation in learning music.
As you know, she loves to sing. I hear her singing both alto and soprano and she can read music as well. Still has more learning to do, but is a great foundation. Additionally, this program will help kids get ready or compliment their music class in schools.
Yvonne & Kevin VanLowe
Grace Episcopal parents
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolor=”FAF9C8″ bgcolorto=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolorto=”FAF9C8″]This type of music program for young children is not available in any other church to my knowledge. In my view, its biggest advantage is that it acquaints children at a young age with the fundamentals of music in a child friendly manner, using animals to represent musical notes on a giant cloth staff. Our daughters’ experience with the program gave them enthusiasm for joining the choir when they became old enough, and gave them the confidence that they could perform successfully before a friendly audience. There are other programs that introduce children to music in a pleasant environment, but the experience of learning these fundamentals in church, surrounded by family and other members of the church community, is what makes the program stand out for me. Both my children love sacred music and sing it constantly at home. I truly believe that their early experience in the Cherubs Music Program instilled that love in them.
Susan Aldridge
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolor=”D3F0D7″ bgcolorto=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolorto=”D3F0D7″]Both of our sons, now 6 and 9 years old, participated in the Cherubs class for young beginners. It was a unique experience for them to learn rhythm, read music, and use instruments. The boys liked moving to the beat of the music and using fun materials to learn. We enjoyed seeing Cherubs performing together for parents and parishioners and having fun! Their experience gave them the opportunity to make music and perform as part of an ensemble of other budding musicians.
Brian & Marilyn Lynk
Grace Episcopal parents
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolor=”F7D9E9″ bgcolorto=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolorto=”F7D9E9″]Our son has only recently begun Mr. C’s music program, but Jana and I are incredibly impressed with it. Thomas loves how the program is a mix of fun games, music activities, and time to run around. The program is definitely high energy! Jana and I like how Thomas has learned so much about music and music theory without even realizing it: that’s how fun and entertaining the games and practices are. Mr. C’s program is one major reason we attend Grace Episcopal Church.
Andrew & Jana Delfino
Grace Episcopal parents
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”DCF7F5″ cbgcolor=”DCF7F5″ bgcolorto=”DCF7F5″ cbgcolorto=”DCF7F5″]All of our kids benefited from the music program tremendously. The early childhood classes gave our 4 kids a foundation for music that they have carried forward: Our oldest daughter is thriving in a theater program at school and our other 3 kids have the benefit of music background as they learn new instruments.
Brendan & Tracy Jacobs
Grace Episcopal parents
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolor=”FAF9C8″ bgcolorto=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolorto=”FAF9C8″]We think it is a most creative program that is both educational and engaging. We especially like how you use your knowledge for child cognitive development to organize a program considering a child’s age. For example the props you used for the younger kids were brilliant (stepping on big piano just one thing that comes to mind).
Alex & Tracey Jacobs
Grace Episcopal parents
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolor=”D3F0D7″ bgcolorto=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolorto=”D3F0D7″]When my daughter participated in the Cherubs Music program, she learned that music and rhythm created feelings in her, whether she was happy or sad, angry or surprised. The idea that music could create an emotional response was completely new to her. She discovered another way to communicate and has used it ever since.
Allison Adkins
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolor=”F7D9E9″ bgcolorto=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolorto=”F7D9E9″]The music program at Grace Episcopal was instrumental in introducing our children to church. The musical program is diverse and age-appropriate, allowing the kids to enjoy and partake in the ministry of music. The program is technically excellent, challenging the kids to excel in music yet at their own pace.
Rebecca Greystone
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”DCF7F5″ cbgcolor=”DCF7F5″ bgcolorto=”DCF7F5″ cbgcolorto=”DCF7F5″]My son and daughter both grew up in Grace Church’s Cherubs Music program, progressing from playing the chimes during their pre-school years to being Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) ribbon-holders in their early teens. The program was a wonderful way to make friends, get connected to the church, and receive high quality, free music instruction. The Cherubs Music program instills a sense of discipline, reverence, and appreciation while also being a fun way to engage young children. I would highly recommend the program for every child regardless of natural musical ability or interest. Every family can gain something from participating in Cherubs Music!
Lanita Whitehurst
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolor=”FAF9C8″ bgcolorto=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolorto=”FAF9C8″]Catherine benefitted tremendously from the cherubs, chimers and now junior choir. Music is her love and she’s taken what she learned in your program and built on it by taking up piano, performing in musicals while continuing on with Junior Choir. While she sometimes has trouble getting motivated to go to different activities, she’s always gone to music class without any need for prompting. The Cherubs program has a great way of making it fun and educational.
Michelle McGrath
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolor=”D3F0D7″ bgcolorto=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolorto=”D3F0D7″]It’s been an amazing learning experience for Max. The class was Max’s first exposure to a music class and I’m astounded by how much he’s learned in such a short time. The content is very accessible for younger children and is, of course, a lot of fun for both the parents and the kids, but it’s also an opportunity for the kids to actually learn music theory.
Heather Thacker Waner
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolor=”F7D9E9″ bgcolorto=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolorto=”F7D9E9″]As a parent, you want to expose your child to all that there is! So if you are a parent and are looking for an age-appropriate music program to expand your Pre-Schooler’s experience with different music AND playing musical instruments AND learning the basics of music theory in a fun game-like atmosphere, then look no more! The cherubs music program is the program for you! The music ranges from spiritual to country. The children (and parents) learn musical notes as animals (e.g. crabby “C” or donkey “D”). Learning is disguised in amazingly fun games, like fishing for notes. Given the wonderful musical introduction this program has given Noelle, I would definitely recommend it!
Cherisse Robles
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolor=”FAF9C8″ bgcolorto=”FAF9C8″ cbgcolorto=”FAF9C8″]Our daughter first learned to read music, play, and perform in Mr. C’s bells class. Church bells laid the foundation for her to become the talented cellist she is today.
Jillian Downs
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolor=”D3F0D7″ bgcolorto=”D3F0D7″ cbgcolorto=”D3F0D7″]My kids liked the program. I think the way you make the teaching music to the smaller children is a great way for them to learn because you make it a game…an active game. That is, they don’t just sit in chairs, the learning is physically interactive which makes it unique.
Tuwenia Grebowsky
Grace Episcopal parent
[/stextbox]
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolor=”F7D9E9″ bgcolorto=”F7D9E9″ cbgcolorto=”F7D9E9″]Our son started working with Danny when he was five. We think that the structured but fun approach and methodology that Danny has developed and uses gave him an excellent foundation for learning to play an instrument and instilled in him a love for music. As a result, our son learned to read and perform music at an early age. Currently, he is a 7th grader and has been playing cello for 4 years and hopes to learn a second instrument.
Dexter & Tawana Davis
Grace Episcopal parents
[/stextbox]
Find out more…