Hoff-Barthelson Music School to Host Early Childhood Open House

Begin the new year by attending Hoff-Barthelson Music School's Open House for Early Childhood Classes on Saturday, January 20, 2018, from 12 noon to 2:00 pm (snow date: January 27, 2018). Children ages 3 months to 5 years and their adults are invited to join in the fun of a music and movement class at 12:30 pm, followed by a brief Q & A with faculty, and a reception during which you can socialize with other families.

Exercises and games during classes involve singing, moving and improvising; using small percussion instruments to promote inner hearing and rhythmic sensitivity; and working with a variety of whimsical materials to inspire the imagination. Through these activities, our talented faculty members guide young students to develop many of the skills involved in music-making and a joyful bond grows between children and their adults as they listen, sing and move together with the music.

About the Early Childhood Program:

Hoff-Barthelson's Early Childhood Program is grounded in Dalcroze Eurhythmics - a method of teaching that pairs music and movement to catalyze the development of children's minds and bodies. Even the very youngest children develop focus, spatial awareness, gross motor skills, social skills, and the ability to work with others - all while having fun! Classes are available for parents/caregivers with their children as well as in a "drop-off" format for children who enjoy attending music class independently. Classes are taught by certified teachers and utilize live music. For families interested in taking the first steps in learning to play an instrument, Little Pipers Recorder Classes, Suzuki Pre-Twinklers and Beginning Ukulele are hands-on classes for older threes and up.

"The classes, grouped by age, are dynamic and interactive," said Laura Barnet, Early Childhood Music Specialist at Hoff-Barthelson. "Children love music. It is something that they can participate in at a young age; it fosters their complete development."

New for 2018:

New classes beginning in January 2018 include Beginning Ukulele and Petite Chorus, both for grades K-2 and Saturday Songs, a class where children ages 3 and 4 explore musical concepts. These fun, interactive and informative new classes are a great way to introduce young children to musical instruction in a social setting with other children of similar ages, and is the perfect first step to private lesson instruction as children get older.

For Additional Information, or to RSVP:

Kathryn Kitt at 914-723-1169; kkitt@hbms.org; www.hbms.org

About Hoff-Barthelson Music School:

Hoff-Barthelson Music School has achieved national recognition as a premier community music school for its unsurpassed leadership in education, performance and community service. With a faculty drawn from the region's most talented teachers and performers, the School has long been one of Westchester County's most cherished cultural resources. Whatever a student's age or level of musical interest, HBMS' diverse offerings provide the highest quality musical education, personally tailored to his or her specific passions and goals in a supportive and vibrant community. The School will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2019-2020.

The Early Childhood Program is made possible, in part, by ArtsWestchester with support from Westchester County Government, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Photo credit and caption: Hoff-Barthelson faculty member Laura Barnet teaches an Early Childhood Music Class. Photographed by Steven Schnur.