At the start of Fall, Mikayla and I enrolled in some music classes at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music. The program is called Colourstrings Music and Movement program for ages 1-2years old. But there are classes for babies as young as 3months old to 2 years! With the weather getting colder so going to these classes, seeing other kids and listening to music makes it a fun indoor activity for us. Our teacher is Gillian is super talented. Not only is she great with the kids and helps them build their imagination, but she also plays piano for them and the violin. She teaches us new rhymes and songs and sings familiar ones with us too. Instruments are always apart of each class, and the kids can touch, play and learn about each one.
Every class has a theme and today’s theme was a picnic and how we met a bear who was at the picnic. We picked out scarves to wave to the rhythm of the music, we made the scarves wave really fast or really slow. We’d wave them up high or low, if Gillian sang high or sang low. We start each class with a friendly “Hello” song and end each class with a lullaby and a “Goodbye” song. I like how every class we’ve had so far, has had the same structure and I’ve noticed that the kids have gained confidence as each class goes by.
At the very beginning Mikayla was a little shy and didn’t want to hold any of the rattles, scarves or play things and now, she stands most of the class, claps her hands to the beat of the music and participates in all the rhymes. She also recognizes some of the kids and remembers them from last class, because she’ll point and smile or wave. It’s sooo stinkin’ cute! I think Mikayla’s favourite part of class is when Gillian plays her Violin, or when we sing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” as we pretend to row a boat while holding a scrunchy, stretchy rope annnnd when she gets to sing the “Peek-A-Boo” song with the scarf. Each class encourages the kids to use their imaginations with puppets, blankets, scarves, stretch ropes and of course tiny instruments, perfect for their little hands.
I’m so happy and proud of Mikayla, watching her learn about instruments and the noises they make. She gets so excited with each new thing. Music was such a big part of my life growing up, even though my Mom will tell you that I gave up playing the piano, I still LOVED listening to all kinds of music, I’m mesmerized by live music and loved dancing and karaoke! Still do! I would love for Mikayla to grow up and have the same appreciation for music as I do, but we’ll just wait and see! 🙂
Since we’re enjoying these classes so much, we’ve partnered up with the VSO School of Music to GIVEAWAY one free enrollment into a Colourstrings Music & Movement class this coming January! (Valued at $245)
Contest Update!
The contest is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered!
Congratulations to our winner: Kristine Aujla!
Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
