Not only do Bryann and I share the same interests, but we also share the same birthday. We also both enjoy Italian food, so we celebrated at Olive Garden this year and last year.

 Olive Garden, August 20th, 2009

                                                      Olive Garden, August 20th, 2010

Although, this year, when they brought out the decadent chocolate cake list with two candles, there was no singing or clapping. Our waiter brought it out quietly to us and informed us of the new rule: 

No singing to the customers. 

Know what we did?

We sang anyway AND clapped the familiar song anyway!! 

...went something like this:

"Bona Festa what a joyous day

 Bona Festa ....da ta da ta da..

sit back, relax, have fun. da dun (the Italian wayyy)

We're so glad you came to us to celebrate today"

The words were jumbled because we were so used to having it presented to us by the Olive Garden singers, but the tune and rhythm were right on par. Funny, that we both instantaneously decided to sing and clap for ourselves in celebration of our lives together.

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. 
It's the life in your years."
-Abraham Lincoln

The Family Connection brought the community together to enjoy a day filled with games, activities, and music! The purpose of the event was to gather together to support families with children who have Special Needs and to celebrate them.


Bryann and I enjoyed leading everyone during the Electric Slide community dance. She leads with her warm smile and enthusiasm. Her love for music and dance is contagious!




I was able to play a sing-a-long set for the community gathering with my friend, Dan, who played the jembay. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday, even though the heat was unbearable for most of the time!

Connecting with the community of families with children who are apart of the Family Connection program has been an inspirational experience for Bryann and I. We are so excited about offering Kindermusik classes to these families. Most of these families will experience a Kindermusik class for the first time beginning this Fall!

There is more to come, so stay tuned!






"Our life is composed greatly from dreams, from the unconscious, and they must be brought into connection with action. They must be woven together." -Anais Nin

Week # 13

Beginning and ending each class in a similar way is helpful to instill routine in the children's daily lives. This is one big reason why we sing the ABC Music & Me 'Hello Song' at the beginning of every class.

Passing out the scarves is sometimes tricky business in an ABC Music & Me class.Allowing the children to ask for a certain color gives them the opportunity to be unique and independent. Although, we do not always allow them to have their way. There are times when we will simply say "You get what you get and you won't pitch a fit" :-)

Bryann carefully instructs the children to play the "high" and "low" notes on the keyboard and incorporating their "high" and "low" voices as they play.

Even the teachers get a turn sometimes, by the demand of the children. :-)

Sometimes, Bryann tells the children to close their eyes and wait for their "surprise" -each get a colorful scarf to wave as we gather for our circle dance! And sometimes, the children are unhappy with their colors. Bryann simply reminds them to "be happy with what you get..and please don't pitch a fit..." or to "please trade with someone if they wish to trade!"

Taking time to sing a silly song or hear each other sing individually is something so special to us.

"I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing."
-William James

"The only thing better than singing is more singing."
Ella Fitzgerald

Taking attendance before each class is another important part of being a Kindermusik teacher. Each week, Bryann diligently gathers the children from the playground and leads them into class, taking careful note of who is absent and present.

"What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence."
Samuel Johnson