"How Our Kindermusik Team Evolved" by Sue Winters

            It was official in the fall of 1997!   Wendy Ensz and I established a partnership in owning a Kindermusik business.  It was called Kindermusik at USF.  It actually got its roots with Sandra Landry, the former owner.  Wendy and I took it over when she moved away from Sioux Falls.  We each taught several classes for newborn to nine years of age.  We also split up the administrative duties and decided to swim or sink. I’m proud to say, we have been swimming ever since. 

            Wendy is the best partner anyone could ever have.  She handles many responsibilities in a very efficient and thorough manner.  She creates superb brochures and makes sure we have a pay check each month along with many other responsibilities. 

Her first love will always be the children and sharing the gift of music with them and their families.  Miss Wendy has done a great job teaching and administrating for 13 years now!  She is very proud of all of her Kindermusik graduates as many of them have gone on to private lessons for vocal, instrumental, and piano instruction. 

            Myra Katherine Fritz learned of our program at USF and, fortunate for us, she joined our team when she moved to Sioux Falls ten years ago.  The families have become very attached to her.  She is known by her students as Miss Myra.  They are very fond of her and want to stay with her for many years.  She is currently teaching newborn-preschool age children.  Myra Katherine is quite the writer and inspired us to start this blog.   

            As our program began to grow and grow, we were blessed to have found our next teacher, Becky Schaefer.  She was teaching at a school full time but was looking for more part-time work since her children were young.  Miss Becky is loved by all her Kindermusik families.  She is teaching newborn-preschool age children also.  Becky is super organized and is quite creative.  She has generously shared these gifts along with her quality teaching for several years now. 

            The next teacher to join us was Tarina Stroh.  Thanks to her, we have an eastside location at Hillcrest Church.  Miss Tarina is a firm believer in the value of Kindermusik not only for her own children but for all the young families she meets. Tarina teaches newborn-early elementary students.  She is amazing at creating things for young children that are fun, educational, and very inexpensive.  We appreciate the ideas she brings to us from being a preschool teacher. 

            Kristi Prouty is our newest team member.  She joined us a few years ago willing to teach keyboard classes since I was ready to retire from teaching Kindermusik and keyboard.  Not only do the keyboard families love Kristi, the families of younger children love having Miss Kristi for their teacher.   Kristi goes above and beyond to help out wherever she is needed.  Her flexibility and love for teaching is enjoyed by all. 

            We have recently changed our name to Kindermusik by Bright Beginnings Studios.  You have probably discovered from reading this blog that we have the best Kindermusik team possible.  That is why we do not list who teaches specific classes on our website because we are confident that our families are in good hands no matter who their teacher is.  Our team is strong because of the networking and support we give each other.  We consider all of our families to be “One Big Kindermusik Family”.   If you are not part of that family, and would like to be, please contact us by phone 605-728-6782 or by email kindermusik.brightbeginnings@gmail.com.  You can also check us out at our website:  brightbeginnings.kindermusik.net.   

Preachin' Kindermusik by Ms. Myra

Today the teachers of BBS Studios (which is technically Bright Beginnings Studios, but I can’t consistently spell beginnings and I can’t say it without getting all tongue tied, so for today it’s BBS Studios,) anyway, today we visited with families at the Children’s Expo at the Pavilion. We had lots and lots of families stop by and it was so energizing to talk about subjects that I love (music and early childhood) with Moms, Dads and Grandparents, many of whom had never heard of Kindermusik. Sometimes I get a little too excited, though, and sound like a preacher trying to get the congregation all fired up for the morning potluck (or worse, like the preacher who’s brought out his yearly hell-fire and brimstone sermon.)

I really can’t help myself. I start off with the basics: we are an early childhood music and movement program for newborns through age 7 (and keyboard up to age 9.) We address all areas of development including cognitive, language, physical, social, emotional and musical. But before I know it, I’m off on some tangent about the crucial early childhood years and if you miss these precious opportunities for development, well, you never get them back. It’s too late. As Kindermusik says, “A good beginning never ends.” And, well, a bad one never really goes away. Then it gets worse. I try to talk about the science and the research. I began telling one first-time mom of a 4 week old about all the little parts in your head….let’s just call them balls, I said….the balls on the right side need to connect with the balls on the left side and with every year that passes you lose the chance to make those connections. The window is half closed by age three and by 5 it’s pretty much all she wrote. That’s it. That’s all the time you have. And it goes by fast. Blink and she will be in Kindergarten. She look horrified and scared and excused herself from the conversation with a gentle, “Well thank you for the information” and left. I’m sure I sent her spiraling into a pit of post-partum depression since I basically just told her that her newborn should just go ahead and get her kindergarten shots.

Another conversation that went somewhat better was with a Mom whose son was slightly younger than my daughter Emma Claire. We bonded over the joys and challenges of parenting. She was a stay at home mom and talked about how much work there is to do in the day and how on many occasions she puts her son down for a nap only to realize she’s spent no real time with him. I can identify. Yesterday was my day off and instead of spending time with Emma Claire, I drug her all over town from one church to another transferring Kindermusik materials, unpacking boxes, etc. At the end of the day, the best I could say was that we had been together. Quality time? Not so much.

There will always be errands to run, calls to return, groceries to buy and meals to prepare. There is never enough time for programs like Kindermusik; you have to find time. You have to find the time; take the time; make the time. I didn’t mean to spook the new mommy, but the truth is that in 5 or 6 years her daughter will be getting those shots and she will either remember with joy all the special time they spent together on the floor reading books; time in the backyard tossing a ball; time in Kindermusik playing, dancing, singing, bonding and creating a good beginning that will never end, or she will wish desperately that she had.

Kindermusik is a place where you can come away from everyday life and be totally involved with your children. “All involved. All the time.” We invite you to join us this fall for a time of exploration; a time of discovery; a time for you and your children. Now, can I hear an “Amen!”

Ahhh, the Routine of Fall! by Wendy Ensz

Bittersweet. Summer vacation ends; the new school year begins. What I love about summer: the warmth, down-time for my teenage boys, visitors from out-of town, and lots of sunlight. What I love about Fall: ROUTINE! Yes, I am certainly one who likes a set schedule, structure, and consistency. Perhaps one reason why teaching music to young children is my passion, is that the lessons provide a balance of what I love about both Summer and Fall.

Summer in music class exists all year long. There is warmth in the friendships that develop between children, grown-ups, and teachers. There is down-time, in class during exploration or rocking times, and out of class when the children are choosing to listen, enjoy, and create their own music, any music! There are visitors, as families can make-up Kindermusik classes they miss, meaning we all get to make new friends and live new group dynamics. And there is sunlight – nothing is more bright than a child making music from his or her heart.

Routine? YES! Kindermusik classes meet once a week, at the same day and time, for the entire semester. A hello song begins the class, and a goodbye song (and for the younger children, George the monkey!) ends the class. In between is some mixture of structure and un-structure, but all with the following musical aspects: singing, listening, moving – LOTS of moving!, creating, playing instruments, and reading. And all of these activities consistently revolve around the “follow the child” philosophy.

While I plan to cherish every possible moment this last week of summer, I also greatly anticipate our Fall Kindermusik session. Below is the upcoming Kindermusik class schedule; registration is only a click away:  http://brightbeginnings.kindermusik.net/ . Ahhh, the routine of Fall!

DAY / TIME / LOCATION / START DATE

Multi-Age &/or Family Time
Hello Weather, Let's Play Together
(Newborn – 7 Yrs.)
Mon. 6:00-6:45 p.m. Hillcrest 8/30
Wed. 6:00-6:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/25
Thr. 9:10-9:55 a.m. First Pres. 8/26
Sat. 9:10-9:55 a.m. First Pres. 8/21
*For Preschool Age class times, see below.
-------------------------------------
Village - Zoom Buggy
(Newborn – 18 Mos.)
Mon. 9:15-10:00 a.m. C. Baptist 8/23
Tues. 6:00-6:45 p.m. First Pres. 10/5
Thrs. 9:00-9:45 a.m. C. Baptist 8/26
-----------------------------------
Sign & Sing - Session A [Unit 1]
(Newborn – 18 Mos.)
Mon. 9:15-10:00 a.m. C. Baptist 11/8
Tues. 6:00-6:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/31
-------------------------------
Our Time - Milk & Cookies
(1 ½ – 3 Yrs.)
Mon. 10:15-11:00 a.m. C. Baptist 8/23
Mon. 6:55-7:40 p.m. Hillcrest 8/30
Wed. 9:00-9:45 a.m. C. Baptist 8/25
Wed. 9:50-10:35 a.m. C. Baptist 8/25
Thr. 10:00-10:45 a.m. C. Baptist 8/26
Thr. 6:00-6:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/26
Fri. 9:15-10:00 a.m. First Pres. 8/27
------------------------------
Imagine That!-
Hello Weather, Let's Play Together
(3 – 5 Yrs.)
Wed. 10:40-11:25 a.m. C. Baptist 8/25
Thr. 10:05-10:50 a.m. First Pres. 8/26
Thr. 7:00-7:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/26
Fri. 10:15-11:00 a.m. First Pres. 8/27
*For Multi-Age class times, see top of column.
-------------------------------
Kindermusik for the Young Child
(4 ½ – 8 Yrs.)
Semester One:
Mon. 11:35 a.m.-12:35 p.m. C. Baptist 8/23
Sat. 8:50-9:50 a.m First Pres. 8/21
Semester Three:
Mon. 4:45-5:45 p.m. Hillcrest 8/30
Sat. 10:15-11:15 a.m. First Pres. 8/21
----------------------------------
Keyboard Adventures
(6 ½ – 9 Yrs.)
Semester One:
Tues. 7:00-7:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/31
Sat. 11:10-11:55 a.m First Pres. 8/21
Semester Three:
Tues. 5:00-5:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/31
Sat. 10:15-11:00 a.m. First Pres. 8/21
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"The Value of Music" by Kristi Prouty

During the past 6 months or so, I have begun looking for good deals, values, and using coupons for my purchases. I haven’t always done this, but with 2 children at home and only a part-time income, it has sort of become a necessity. It has also become fun for me. I know some of you might think I sound like a nerd, but I get really excited when I keep my grocery bill under budget for the week or find a really great deal on something. I use coupons whenever possible, and I also have some money-saving blogs that I check regularly. I have come to think of it as another job, and an exciting new challenge!

I also look for good values when I’m choosing activities for my children to be involved in. I don’t want to pay a lot of money for something that they won’t like or benefit from. I want to put them into activites that will be fun, rewarding, engaging, and educational. Both of my children have been in Kindermusik classes since they were very little. In fact, I was a Kindermusik mom before I was a Kindermusik teacher. To me, it is a great value. The Our Time class, for example, works out to cost less than $10 per class. But most important are all of the benefits that have come from their Kindermusik classes.

Grant (now 5 years old) started Kindermusik at about 7 months old. He was in full time daycare at the time, and I wanted some special bonding time with him since I was at work all day. He is an extremely busy and active child, and as he has gotten older, I have seen many benefits from his Kindermusik experiences. It has helped him learn to share and wait his turn, develop self-control, listen, and follow directions. Elyse (now 18 months old) has never been in a daycare setting, so I feel that one of her biggest benefits of Kindermusik has been learning to socialize with a group of children her own age. She has also learned new skills like marching and jumping, and she now loves to “clean up” at home…just like we do in class! My children both love the home materials that we get each semester. The books, CDs, and instruments are so much fun, and we get to continue the musical experience at home all week. I have even had some families tell me that they have literally worn out their home CDs from listening to them so much!

Maybe it’s because I grew up with parents who are music teachers, but music has always been a huge part of my life. It’s such a natural thing for children to dance, sing, and play music. Music can bring people together and express feelings in ways that other things cannot. That’s why I believe so much in Kindermusik and the value of music for our children!

Summertime, Summertime, Sum, Sum, Summertime and the song goes on and on. That is the beauty of kindermusik, we go on and on. No matter the season, time of year or stage of life you or your kids are in we go on and on. There is always something for everyone. I am a mother of four ages seven years and younger and I love looking at all of the classes Bright Beginnings Studio by Kindermusik has to offer. It is like a road map to our weekly schedule as I highlight and ponder the options for my kids. What I love about summer is that all of our classes fit in so well to a season we wish would last longer but with the flexability of being here there and everywhere for a few short months.
I am currently teaching a five week night class called Confetti. I teach both hours as a Family Time option so with 4-5 families some have 1-4 kids all playing and singing together. We all have found this time to be enjoyable with many different ages doing our conffetti theme. For those of you in a summer class, you probably see and hear some things that are the same: listening, instrument explore and familiar outline to the 45 min. class. The differences you may feel and hear is in the theme. Our summer curriculum has different exciting themes that last for 5-8 weeks. This also feels different to our Fall and Spring 14 week sememster. Each theme has a different hello and goodbye song. I know it is hard to be in Our Time and not sing the Our Time song. The hello song is difficult for teacher also, as our brains are like a CD player and sometimes we have to switch a disk to get to the right tune and words at the right time. Whether you are in Zoo train, Conffetti, Mother Goose or Rock and Roll they all sound fun for a summertime family fun time.
I have the best news for those of you reading today. It is not too late. My dear friend Miss Myra and I both have the same internal thermometer that tells us we are on the downhill slide to summer once july 4th has come and gone. Our early start in August does not help these feeling either but I have to tell you there is still time!!! I may almost be done with my classes but my own children are just about to begin their great expereince with their own camp. Even better is the perfect map where my younger two will go to one camp with me, while my older go alone to theirs. What a perfect option for a multi-tasking mother. I heard that our wish list to summertime things is like a bucket list of activities you desire to accomplish in these few months. I am enjoying all that I have done on my list so far but can't wait for my week to begin as a mommy at kindermusik while all four of my kiddos explore their Kindermusik camp time too. Summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime, what is on your bucket list? We still have spots open for you!

"A-Camping We Will Go" by, Becky Schaefer

I spent the better part of my Sunday afternoon preparing for my upcoming camps. Normally I would not spend a Sunday afternoon working, but this week my schedule left no other options. Once I quit my grumbling and decided to just go do it, I actually really enjoyed my time. Maybe it was because it was so very quiet – as a mother, this is a luxury in itself. Maybe it was because I got to organize (sad, but true.) Maybe it was because I felt myself slipping into a world of make-believe. Maybe it was because I could picture each of my own children participating in these activities I was planning. Maybe it was because I could imagine all the possibilities. Whatever the reason, as I sifted through the hundreds of different craft supplies, gathered dress-up clothes, chose fun instruments, and listened to the catchy music, I found myself very excited to teach these camps next week.
From a teacher perspective, I get why camps are so beneficial. From a parent perspective, you may not be completely sold – yet. I will do my best to get you there. 
There are some guarantees for any Kindermusik camp or class you choose. Your child will experience music and movement in a nurturing environment. All Kindermusik camps/classes are designed to reach each part of your child – social, emotional, musical, cognitive, language, physical – and to nurture development in each of those areas. Our goal is, “All involved, all the time.” We are proud of this and strive to achieve that at every class. My favorite promise, though, is that we will have a lot of fun!
In addition to all of this, there are some benefits unique to the camps. There is the factor of continuity. While some may be a little hesitant on Day 1, most of the children feel quite settled in and comfortable on Day 2 already. The whole experience is fresh in their minds – the teacher, the other children and grownups, the room, the music, the routine. Because this routine is established on the first day, we can spend the remainder of the days focused on the content of the class. Some of the songs and activities repeat from day to day, and therefore, retention is high. In Kindermusik, we do so much scaffolding – taking what the child knows and building on it from there - encouraging them to expand their horizons. When we gently challenge our children each day, learning is bound to take place. When your child finishes camp at the end of the week, he/she will leave with new songs, new activities, new appreciations, new experiences, and new ideas.
Three week-long music camps begin the week of July 19; there are openings for all ages and all families. Zoo Train (Newborn–7 yrs. [Multi-Age]) from 6:00-7:15 p.m.; Confetti Days (3 & 4 yrs) from 1:00-1:55 p.m. ; Rockin' & Rollin' (4 ½ – 8 yrs) from 1:00-2:15 p.m. OR 2:30–3:45 p.m. We would be honored if you would spend some time with us this summer – let the fun begin!

What is Kindermusik? by Sue Winters

“What IS Kindermusik?” As the administrator who answers phone calls and emails, I hear this question the most. The best way to answer this question is to give general information and invite parents to come to a free preview class.

For those of you who are curious as to what Kindermusik is all about but haven’t asked, or if you’d like a refresher, this week’s blog is for you.

Kindermusik is a unique music and movement program designed for children ages newborn- eight years and their families. Now you ask, what can my infant who is not mobile or verbal do in a music class? This is the ideal class for you because our activities are all developmentally appropriate plus you will enjoy meeting other families with children the same age.

As was mentioned in last week’s blog, children learn best in their early years through movement. You will experience new ways to move with your child as you hear music from Mexico, Zimbabwe, Italy, Brazil, China, and Japan just to name a few of the diverse, multi-cultural styles that Kindermusik includes.

Children of all ages enjoy exploring the sound of instruments. The younger children might start out with shakers, bells, chime balls, drums, etc. and gradually progress to exploring a violin, cello, french horn, saxophone, snare drum, glockenspiel, dulcimer, and many others.

Hands-on activities are also important for young children. Newborns will be stimulated by the feel and color of scarves, while a 3 year old will use the scarves to become any character he/she wants to pretend to be, and a 5 year old will create the feel of legato and staccato. The progression opens the door to a love and appreciation for all styles of music and is limited only to one’s imagination.

Children are active learners. Their development is best served when there is a balance between things that are familiar and things that are new. Kindermusik provides the perfect balance for this. It is fun and appealing for children as well as their families.

Kindermusik is a priceless gift you share with your child. If you are at all interested, please come for a free preview class. You will see why so many families attend and recommend it to others.
One final administrative detail, contact information:
website -brightbeginnings.kindermusik.net;
e-mail – kindermusik.brightbeginnings@gmail.com;
Phone – (605)-728-6782. I’d love to hear from you!