Musical Gifts of Joy through the Music in the Community Initiative
Gifts for the littlest learners
Until March, "Miss Heather" -- Concord Community Music School's dance movement therapist Heather Oberheim, R-DMT -- taught 20 specialized, highly interactive early childhood Music & Movement classes each week at community partnership sites. More than 300 preschoolers, many of whom are from low-income families or have special needs, hugged and sang and created stories in movement with her each week.
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These partnerships include all six locations of Merrimack Valley Day Care (MVDC), the Concord and Laconia Head Starts, and two programs of the Concord School District (CSD): Concord Developmental Preschool at Beaver Meadow, and multi-generational English classes through the CSD Family Center and Ascentria New English Speakers. Since March, thanks to Heather’s creative problem-solving and her ongoing gentle check-ins with partner staff, we happily report that Heather continues to connect with nearly all of her sites each week, providing joy and therapeutic learning.
“Deeply committed to her mission to support the children and families through music, Heather started to create virtual musical experiences, with videos that families could access in their homes,” writes Laurie Hart, CSD Early Childhood Coordinator. “As we build and strengthen these relationships, we are fully aware that Heather will continue to be a champion for creating a love of music and movement in our community.”
Heather connects with partner staff monthly to create specific videos that support their lesson plans. Kristen Walling, Early Childhood Special Educator at the Concord Developmental Preschool, wrote to Heather: “Thank you so much for the Ocean Theme sing! You have been so wonderful with all my students and I love seeing how they engage with you and seeing some of the kiddos show me skills through your program, such as counting with the drum. We are hoping to see you this fall!”
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Finger-play & farm animals with Miss Heather...click HERE!
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As a dance movement therapist, Heather is well-suited to helping children with disabilities and language delays -- but having the screen between herself and her kids makes it challenging to identify their needs. "Little kids simply don't respond as much to video, even when it's live and interactive," she said. "So, I listened to students, and teachers, to find out what they needed most, and made a lot of changes to try and meet those needs."
Especially rewarding has been our continued connection with New American families, drawing on 20 years of Heather’s literacy programs for young English language learners. Partner staff in the Concord Heights program coordinate with Heather to request lessons for their classes that include preschoolers, parents and grandparents. “Heather’s presence created a joyful, educational and therapeutic experience,” said Laurie Hart. “Her lessons were designed to teach important basic concepts through music, movement and play. Both the children and families happily joined in each week.”
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Click HERE to learn about verbs in a very fun way!
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We’re serious (and fun) about lifelong learning!
Creative Aging Day last January launched expanded programs for older adults, including Heather’s new Movement and Song for Parkinson’s class, which draws on her extensive therapeutic experience and knowledge of the neurological changes as we age. Not to be stopped by COVID-19, Heather produced Movement and Song videos for her class members to help keep aging bodies active and today's stressors at bay. Click on the image or click HERE for an easy 3-minute tango warmup.
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What's next? Families with young kids can join Miss Heather for HOLIDAY LIVE, the first 3 Fridays in December: 12/4, 12/11, and 12/18 at 10:00am, on Facebook Live (click here). Requests for winter and holiday-themed songs are welcome as you tune in!
Many thanks to the funders of the Music in the Community Initiative for their belief in our mission of inclusion and excellence, and for providing these gifts for the community: Rolfe & Rumford Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation, Lincoln Financial Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, Oliver S. & Jennie R. Donaldson Charitable Trust, and the Abbie F. Moseley Charitable Trust.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Thank you for reading, and for being a part of our musical family. Please stay safe and healthy.
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Give yourself or someone else a musical gift this year!
6-week lesson mini-package starts the week of November 30 at 10% off regular tuition rates for new students!
Our outstanding faculty members have drawn continuing praise for the quality of their teaching since the Music School transitioned to remote learning. Lessons are customized to each student’s goals and technology setup, with many opportunities to learn new skills, including our fabulous YouTube student recitals!
All ages and abilities are welcome – from adult beginners to teenage advanced musicians, from young beginners to adults who’ve played for a lifetime, and anything in between!
Gift certificates available!
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Thank You...
to all who have supported the Music School so generously through many challenges we have all faced in recent months. Thanks to you, our new season of music has been filled with optimism and great appreciation for our musical community. Please add your voice to the chorus of believers in the Music School's future by considering a donation. We deeply appreciate your confidence and support. Thank you!!
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#GivingTuesday is on December 1!
Your gift to the Music School provides gifts of joy and learning to the community. Thank You!
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Concord Community Music School | 23 Wall Street | Concord, NH 03301
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