Joanie Calem

Programs for School-Age Children (ages 5 - 10)
(These classes can easily be arranged for home-schooling groups, or as residencies for schools throughout the year.)

PERCUSSION PARTY:
This is a class for 7 – 10 year olds that explores drums, boomwhackers and other percussion instruments from around the world. We will take a musical trip to different countries as we learn traditional rhythms and notes, while creating drum circle rhythms, orchestrating stories, and playing musical games.

(45 minute sessions)

SING, DANCE AND PLAY-ALONG:
This class uses the movement-based learning system of Dalcroze Eurythmics to kinesthetically teach and reinforce musical terms and rhythm concepts.  We will further explore musical contrasts, using both their visual and aural representations.  Each class is a combination of chants, songs, folk-dances, creative movement, and active listening to various world and instrumental musical pieces, as well as music games and dramatizations.

(60 minute sessions)

An interactive, musical trip through America's history, using songs, stories and games.  Our journey starts with songs and stories from Native American culture, and continues through America's history from all over our continent, ending up back here today!

(60 minute sessions)

A MUSICAL TRIP AROUND THE WORLD:

We will tour the world and learn about many countries through their folk songs, dances, and instrumental music. These classes introduce children to other languages through the folk songs of the country.  As with all the programs, this class combines poems, songs, rhythm play, and creative movement.  We will create simple instruments from each of the countries, and explore the rhythms of the language through the rhythms of their music.

(90 minute sessions)

Join Joanie to explore the easiest forms of song-writing, integrating melody, rhythm, and language learning, to produce the children’s own creations! 

(90 minute sessions)

A stimulating session of interactive folk songs that gives kids a chance to shake off the winter blues (or any other time they just need to move!). This program gets kids moving in an organized way while learning songs from the treasure-chest of America’s musical heritage, including play-party songs and Native American song-dances. 

(60 minute sessions)

Interactive songs and stories from around the world, showing different ways that people have taken care of the earth and the environment throughout history. This program presents children with numerous practical ways for them to become environmental stewards in their own lives.

(60 minute sessions)

Songs and dances from around the world for a musical experience of local and/or international holidays.  Some examples:

• Fall Fun, Halloween Hoots, and Harvest Celebrations Around the World
• Thanksgiving in Song and Dance
• Wintertime Celebrations Around the World
• Springtime – When the World Wakes Up
• Independence Day - Summertime and the Living is Easy!

(One hour sessions)