INTRODUCTION TO WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS : 


We were very privileged at our Move and Groove class held last Wednesday to have one of our very talented Kindermusik Mums - Louisa Billeter attend our Move and Groove : Jazz Kitchens class to demonstrate how the Clarinet and Oboe work.

We learned that the clarinet is a very versatile instrument.  It has a warm tone and expressive
capabilities which make it suited to a variety of musical styles, including classical and jazz.

The large clarinet family ranges from the contrabass, which plays the lowest range of notes to the piccolo clarinet which plays the highest.

Like the saxophone, the clarinet is a single reed instrument.  Players blow into the narrow gap between the reed and mouthpiece, causing the reed to vibrate and produce a sound.

The modern clarinet uses a system of rings and keys to allow the clarinettist to play a wide range of notes.

Like the saxophone, the clarinet is a single reed instrument.  Players blow into the narrow gap between the reed and mouthpiece, causing the reed to vibrate and produce a sound.

The modern clarinet uses a system of rings and keys to allow the clarinettist to play a wide range of notes.

There are four main sections that make up the clarinet : from top to bottom - the barrel, upper joint, lower joint and bell

The standard clarinet is in B flat and is used in most styles of music.  Clarinets are also made in A which are more often used in orchestras and chamber music.

There are some very informative U tube videos on Woodwind instruments and I encourage all who want to know more  about these Instruments to google "BBC National Orchestra of Wales - Woodwind.  I highly recommend these videos to introduce you to the different sections of an orchestra, ranging from Woodwind and Brass to  Strings and Percussion instruments.  

Click on the following link :https://youtu.be/KEt1Mm8sSkA

The first four years are the most important time in your Child's life!

It is astounding the opportunity we have to lay the foundation for our child's future! It is not merely important -it is critical. It is estimated that over a trillion synapse sites (connections in learning) may be lost after a child is four years old. Therefore the ages from 0 - 4 are the most critical time in your child's life! This is when you have the greatest opportunity to impact your child for their lifetime. You cannot take it lightly! This is the time you help develop their personality, work ethic, ability to communicate and empathize and the ability to think. Your investment of time will impact every aspect of their future life.

It is believed that the "Windows of Opportunity" for learning occur in these time frames:

Skill OptimalWindow Time for Strengthening

Early sounds 4 - 8 mths Birth to five years
Emotional Intelligence 0 -2 years 2 - 5 years
Motor development 0 - 2 years 2 - 5 years
Vision development 0 - 2 years 2 - 5 years
Music 0 - 3 years 3 - 10 years
Thinking skills 0 - 4 years 4 - 10 years
Language Acquisition 0 - 10 years

The following activities may assist you in developing these skills with your child:

Early Sounds/Language Acquisition :

Read to your child. Start while they are still in the womb! This will enable them to learn the phonemes and patterns of your language. Talk interactively with your child. Language is developed by communicationk, not passive listeningt.

Emotion

Look at your children when you talk and play with them. ELIMINATE OTHER DISTRACTIONS SUCH AS THE TV OR RADIO. Let them express how they feel and validate what you hear them saying. Children require different expressions of love. Some like to hear words of affirmation and encouragement, some enjoy time with you, while others prefer physical affection like hugs and kisses. Express your love in different ways to your children. Show them that it is authentic. And LAUGHTER is very important. Do not forget to be silly and play on your child's level.

Motor Development

Physical exercise is important for development. Play catch, run, take walks and dance. For fine motor development play with blocks, lego that is size appropriate, build with scented play dough etc. Try to balance different things on different parts of your body - i.e. a pair of balled up socks on your arm, head, knee etc.

MUSIC

Listen to and make music. find household items that make music. Make a family band with these unusual things. Listen for sounds from things around the house - the doorbell, the birds outside etc
Have your child repeat a snap - clap pattern back to you. Hum songs and let them guess what song it is. Create songs with your child. Enjoy a concert given by your children. Always praise their effort and creativity.

Thinking skills

The easiest way to develop these skills is with interaction and communication between you and your child. Ask your child questions about themselves, what they like and dislike and why they feel that way. Challenge them to think aboout things. Play pattern games like memory. At bedtime each evening talk aboout the day and what you have planned for tomorrow.

Good teaching is good mothering. Appreciate the opportunity you have with your children. Through your dailly interactions you are creating life-long memories. There is something magical about a child's laugh and an indescribable joy as you watch your child learn and become the child he or she was created to be.

Mothering is an incredible responsibility and blessing that God has given us. Each child is a unique and amazing gift.

Wendy Pellant

Feedback on the kindermusik site!

Hey! ... some wonderful comments posted here: http://mindsonmusic.kindermusik.com/meet-a-kindermusik-educator-simone-melder/

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