Gold Stars Lesson 14

Next week is instrument day! We will have lots of fun surprises and a great class! Bring an instrument or a special guest with an instrument or prepare to share a song with the class to help make the recital portion of our class be memorable. Also, bring a treat to share that we can use to make our real Aiken Drum faces. I will supply the rest of the magic!

Has your child begun to express interest in playing any particular instrument? When my daughter was younger we had the opportunity to go to an orchestra instrument "petting zoo" where kids were given the opportunity to try out many different instruments from all the different families. She was especially drawn to the clarinet. I remembered this a few years later when she could begin playing in the elementary school band. I reminded her about the clarinet and she started playing. 4 years later, she is thriving with this instrument. She is in the top band at her middle school and excited to start marching band this summer.

Regardless of which instrument a person plays, there are many benefits to being a musician:

• Increased coordination-- all musical instruments require the brain and body to work together

• Better concentration-- reading music is rich in visual stimuli and requires focus to process

• Immune and Stress responses-- music has been known to enhance the immunological response and alleviate stress

• Academic achievement-- music reinforces both mathematical skills and comprehension of written material

Optional Home Fun Activity: Do the Instrument Day activity on page 18

(Remember, these activities are optional but can be a great bonding experience to do with your child during the week.)