Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children

What: Children's Concerts
Who: All Ages (It is a concert, so use your discretion)
When: Various Sundays at 3 pm, see website link for schedule
Where: Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables
How Much: Adult $12, Child $10

Exposing children of all ages to music, is not only fun, but it's also so good for their brains and their hearts. In this busy world of computers, video games, and TV, how nice would it be to go to a musical concert especially created to delight and entertain the little ones? And what a quality bonding experience for the whole family. How about if after the concert the kiddos got to go to an ABC party (that's for Apple juice, Balloons and Cookies) and visit a musical instrument petting zoo? If any of this is sounds good to you, check out Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children in Coral Gables. One of the shows I'm looking forward to is Peter and the Wolf on November 8th.

The website says that the hour-long children's concerts are an informal and friendly introduction to the exciting world of music, song and dance. Fun is the first step to music appreciation and that's what these concerts are all about. Audience participation and interaction is part of the musical fun providing children with experiences that will last a lifetime. There’s no better way to encourage the love of music than by introducing children to the music and the musicians who make the magic happen!

I got this information from my music teacher friend Lisa at Wee Wiggle and Sing. She offers music classes for babies, toddlers, and kids.

Wee Wiggle and Sing

What: Music and Movement Classes
Who: 2 to 5 years old
Where: Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, and Hollywood
How Much: About $88 for 8 weeks

I haven’t met Lisa, but after a long phone conversation and some email correspondence, I‘ve decided I already like her. Lisa is a music and movement teacher with some impressive credentials. She has been teaching for over 20 years and she is the owner and director of Wee Wiggle and Sing: Broward Music and Movement Classes. Starting this fall, she will be teaching classes in Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, and Hollywood. Registration begins in August. Her fee is about $88 for 8 weeks. I have been looking around for music lessons for K. and this is the best price I have come across so far. But beyond price, what I like about Lisa is that she has an obvious passion for teaching music to young children. For example, I found this declaration on her website, “I am strongly committed to my endeavor to teach effectively and use the best possible resources at my disposal. I am an advocate of classical music and art appreciation and dedicated to promoting its value in education”. Her mission is to provide quality music lessons at reasonable prices with no hidden fees and no pressure to buy extra materials. She believes a mom can find musical instruments throughout the house, like pots, pans, and wooden spoons. She’ll teach you how to make shakers so you don’t have to go out and buy them. It seems to me that not only the little ones, but also the parents, will get some valuable lessons on being resourceful and creative in this class.

Anna Moo Crackers

What: Anna Moo, Children’s Musical Entertainer
Who: All ages
When: Saturday, July 18th, 2 pm
Where: Hollywood Library
How Much: Free

OK, so there was a misprint on West Regional Library's calendar and I posted that Anna Moo was performing on Monday, the 13th. So sorry about that! But she will be performing at the Hollywood branch. Now, I checked the calendar AND called. The librarian told me that she will be there this Saturday, July 18th at 2 pm. Please call before you go, just in case: 954-926-2430. One thing I have to tell you, the lady I spoke with at West Regional told me that Anna Moo is excellent. She did perform there in June and the library received wonderful feedback on her performance. Again, I'm so sorry if I cause any inconvenience to you by posting the wrong date.

Music to my Ears

What: Billy Joe Bob, Children’s Musical Entertainer
Who: 1 to 6 years
When: Varied dates and times (see below)
Where: Libraries
How Much: Free

When I was six, my favorite activity, besides running in rainstorms and climbing mango trees, was lounging in my grandfather’s music room. We would sit together in delight as the sound of Vivaldi or Tchaikovsky bounced off the walls and landed in our ears. He likes his music LOUD. My grandfather owns over 1,000 CDs, records, cassette tapes, and reels. He’s 90 years old and likes to chill in the hammock of his tropical backyard listening to his iPod. With such an example, how could I not love music? And I want K. to love music. I know all the good stuff it will do for her brain. But more importantly, it’s one of life's sweetest pleasures.
So, I found out about some free, upcoming musical performances for kids and thought you may want to know about them. I haven’t seen either performer yet, but as soon as I do, I’ll tell you about it.

Billy Joe Bob
Billy Joe Bob has entertained children in South Florida since 1985. His show is very popular at preschools, public libraries, parties, and special events. This interactive show is for children ages 1 to 6. (I got that from his website)

Thursday, July 9 - Southwest Regional Library, Pembroke Pines, 11 am

Saturday, July 11 - Hallandale Beach Library, 3:30 pm