MCC Announces Songbirds Program In September

Milwaukee Children's Choir (MCC) is pleased to announce its new Songbirds program for boys and girls entering grades K4 and K5 this fall. Educators with years of special training in early music education will hold fun-filled music classes featuring authentic folk songs, games and other activities. The classes are carefully structured to entertain and engage the young singers while exposing them to the fundamentals of music. Class size is small, and parents are encouraged to observe so they can reinforce the learning at home.

MCC's Songbirds program is Kodály-based, using the human voice as the foundation for musical culture. The Songbirds program is also research driven. Music and neurological researchers agree that singing to a child during early childhood is not only an excellent means to bond with the child; it is also a necessary method to stimulate the child's brain development. MCC's early childhood music curriculum is based on the Kodály -inspired lesson plan format and the First Steps in Music Curriculum of Dr. John M. Feierabend, an internationally recognized leader in the field of early music education. MCC staff members have been privileged to study with him, and will use lesson plans implementing the recommendations he has made after years of research in the field.

The children will sing authentic folk songs and enjoy participating in singing and reciting finger plays, action songs, pitch exploration activities, movement exploration activities, circle games, and steady beat activities. Teaching aids such as puppets, scarves, parachutes and rhythm instruments add to the fun of learning music, which is taught in a child-appropriate, playful manner. Parents will observe, and will learn new educational activities to enjoy with their children.

These fun and educational activities help children with language development, small and large motor skills, and social skills. They also pave the way for the literacy-based music instruction, vocal development, and performance experiences children enjoy when they participate with MCC's choral programs for children grades 1-12.

Photo opportunities and additional information on the research that led to this new program are available upon request. We also attach a Q&A that discusses the new program and addresses Kodály based education. Download Q&A.

The program is being offered at MCC's North and East sites, and if there is enough interest a program will be added at the West site.

Songbirds East:
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
5:15-5:45 Tuesdays
beginning September 14

Songbirds North:
Mequon United Methodist Church
4:30-5:00 Thursdays
Beginning September 16

Songbirds West (in Wauwatosa) will be added from 4:00-4:30 on Wednesday evenings at if there is enough interest.

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