Friends of Florida Folk share Live Music with your family
I LOVE FOLK MUSIC! I must admit, it is the most down to earth music that reaches into my soul and makes me feel connected to humanity, with all of it’s faces. And thanks to Will McLean, and the Friends of Florida Folk, it helps me to feel connected to Florida. Although I am not a native, I moved here almost 10 years ago, I started attending the Will McLean Festival annually, as well as others, and I truly feel my roots are growing here like the old oak trees in my front yard, and the orange trees in my back yard. Please feel free to enjoy one of my favorite songs: Ain’t Florida Neat by Mindy Simmons (the Sarasota Songbird).
Fortunately, the Friends of Florida Folk is a group of dedicated volunteers determined to “identify, protect, preserve, encourage, and promote folk arts, crafts, dance and music of Florida”. Their website, www.foff.org is fabulous. Immediately you are greeted with wonderful music, and podcasts are offered frequently, and there is much to see and hear while exploring their many pages.
For your LIVE MUSIC listening pleasure, there is a calendar of live folk music events, as well as a page that lists the recurring live music events. These may recur annually, monthly, or even weekly. This information is specific to Florida, and lists events ALL over this state!
There are so many styles represented, but definitely include bluegrass, blues, folk, and much more.
Some of my favorite ANNUAL Florida Folk Festivals that I have attended include:
Will McLean in March in Dunnellon (new location this last year)
Gamble Rogers in May in St. Augustine
Florida Folk Festival in May in White Springs
Friends of Florida Folk Fest in February in Tampa
There are so many more I can’t even name them, but they are all listed on the FOFF website. Look under FOLK LINKS, Category MAJOR FESTIVALS.
We take the family in the camper and attend as many as we can each year. Most ALL of the festivals are very family friendly, and often have wonderful music activities especially for the children in a tent of their own. It is a wonderful immersion into a world of music that cannot be experienced otherwise.
I certainly have my favorite Florida musicians that I seek out, but I’ll leave that for another blog posting.
ENJOY this live music with your children, and teach them to sing all of the wonderful old folk songs ! It gives children a sense of BELONGING to family, to the community, and to history.
One of the things I LOVE about Kindermusik is that incorporates folk music from all over OUR country, as well as countries from all over the world. There are beautiful renditions of them on the CD, AND we learn to sing and do the activities and dances that are the same the world over. When children have a true appreciation of music of different styles and cultures, it also helps them appreciate the PEOPLE of different styles and cultures and helps them feel connected to the world. We all experience many of the same things, and music just helps us see that a bit more clearly.
Merry Melodies,
Debbie Mondale
Mother’s Day wishes, traditions and Music
Happy Mother’s Day!
May your days as a mother bring you many fond memories.
May your Mother’s day be full of love and music, and a bit of peace and contentment.
May you feel confident that this choice you made was one of the most miraculous things you could have chosen to enrich your life, and the lives of those to whom you are the mother.
May you remember that as long as you care, you keep trying, and you keep learning more, you ARE doing your best for your children – even if it doesn’t seem like it sometimes.
May you enjoy my blog posting: Mother’s Day Sing-a-long and Traditions , where you will find a fun animated video that you and your child will enjoy singing along with, as well as unique Mother’s Day traditions.
May you enjoy my blog posting: Songs for Mothers and Fathers , where you will find a list of albums and songs that are written for parents, and help keep us focused on the miracle, the joy, the learning, and the end result of our efforts with our children.
May you find marvalous moments to bond with your children on a regular basis. MANY families have found Kindermusik to be the perfect opportunity to carve a special niche into the week just for this. I hope you find this too.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Naples Educator: Marne Gleason
Educator Spotlight
Kindermusik with Marne Gleason
Marne Gleason has a warm and welcoming personality. Everyone feels comfortable around her, and even nervous children quickly feel at ease in her presence. Children and parents feel safe to let go of the rest of the world, and concentrate on each other, and on music and movement, allowing them the opportunity to learn how these activities can make such a difference for them at home, and in their daily lives. Marne Gleason teaches Kindermusik in Naples at various preschools, as well as her primary location.
Website: www.KindermusikwithMarne.com
Location: St. John the Evangelist Claussen Family Center in Naples, Florida
· Village (babies),
· Our Time (toddlers),
· Family Time (toddler class/infants up to 7 years)
· Imagine That (preschoolers)
· Kindermusik for the Young Child Semesters 1-4 (4 ½ to 7 years)
· Group Piano classes
Background:
Marne Gleason teaches Kindermusik in Naples at various preschools, and at her primary location, St. John the Evangelist in Naples. Marne has been awarded Maestro Producer status in 2003-04. This means that she is within the top 5% of Kindermusik educators worldwide. Kindermusik Maestros have a mission: helping children become better learners and helping parents understand how to help them reach their highest potential.
Marne Gleason began providing Kindermusik at Grace Lutheran and St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in 1998. Today, Gleason teaches the learning program to students in various locations in Naples, Fl.
Last October, Marne Gleason also won the award for the Largest Family Time program WORLDWIDE. Her program served more families through the Family Time program than any other, anywhere. AND, Kindermusik is found in over 60 countries.
“I’m honored to have been recognized for such an award by Kindermusik International. It shows that my hard work and dedication of teaching such a wonderful program to children has paid off. I want to thank all my Kindermusik families for their kind words and referrals to other families, so they too can experience Kindermusik and make them aware of a superb children’s program.” said Gleason.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Jennye Shaling Rocks with Young Children in Panama City Beach
Educator Spotlight
Jennye Shaling
“Kindermusik with KidsBeat
Music & Arts”
“Kindermusik opens the door to a lifetime of joy through music!
Jennye Shaling is the director/ owner for Kindermusik with Kidsbeat. Her love for music and children encouraged her to open her home studio in 2002 and has added two other studios. Jennye Shaling and Krysti Hobson are currently partnering to serve Panama City Beach and Panama City, Florida area.
Website: http://www.kidsbeat.kindermusik.net
Locations: 2 – Panama City Beach. 1-Panama City
Panama City – Kindermusik curriculum:
Village (babies), Our Time (toddlers),Family Time (toddler class/infants up to 5 years). Classes taught by Krysti Hobson
Panama City Beach – Kindermusik and Kidsbeat Curriculum
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Kindermusik Family Time (toddler class/infants up to 5 years)
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Kindermusik for the Young Child Semesters 1-4 (4 ½ to 7 years)
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Sol-Fa I and II (continuing recorder, piano, ukulele) for Kindermusik Young Child Graduates,
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KidsBeat Voice (8-10 years),
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KidsBeat Voice II (11-13 years),
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KidsBeat Voice III (14-17 years),
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KidsBeat IV (Private-18 years and up).
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Private Voice lessons available for ages 10 years and up!
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Creative Dance and Art Classes are to be developed in near future!
All PC Beach classes taught by Jennye Shaling.
Background: Jennye Shaling is an only child and grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. She lived in a world of her own imagination and recorded her first song at age 3. Her extensive background in ballet, voice and early childhood education has given her the confidence to share her creative gift with others!
Jennye is currently the Local Chapter Representative for the Gulf Coast Partnership of Kindermusik Educators (PKE), Northern Florida State PKE Representative and Southern Regional PKE Representative.
Jennye and her husband, Joey have been performing for the past 25 years together with their own band, “KiKi”. They have two children, Marlee and David. She is also the Praise/Dance Team Leader with Beach Vineyard.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Orlando Educator: Holly Lesnick
Kindermusik Educator Spotlight
Holly LesnickGrow and Sing Studios“Connecting Families through the Magic of Music“.Holly Lesnick and Rachael Joachim started Grow and Sing Studio together in 2002, and Elizabeth Gerrity, joined them in 2006. Between the three of them, they teach the full realm of the Kindermusik Curriculum. Holly is a very effective ring leader and cheerleader for her educators, for her families, and for her fellow Kindermusik educators.Website: www.growandsing.com Blog: http://growandsing.vox.com Locations: 2 in East Orlando and 1 in Downtown OrlandoKindermusik Curriculums offered:Village and Sign and Sing (babies), Our Time (toddlers), Imagine That! (preschoolers), Kindermusik for the Young Child (early elementary)Family Time for Toddlers, and Family Time (infants up to 5 years)Unique offerings of the Grow and Sing Studio:They also offer a creative Toddler Art and Book Time program.Birthday Party Entertainment is also a highlight of their business!Educator Background: Holly Lesnick has had a love for music her entire life. She is a graduate of Florida State University School of Music in Voice, and holds a Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology. Holly is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Director of Grow and Sing Studios. She has been teaching Kindermusik classes since November, 2002, and has loved every minute of it. She is currently the Local Chapter Representative of the Central Florida Partnership of Kindermusik Educators Chapter. Holly has previously worked as a Music Therapist, Activities Director and Private Vocal Instructor, sharing her high energy and love for music with high quality leadership, guidance and education.Personal: Holly is a proud mother of 2 who sincerely believes in the value of early childhood music education. She looks forward to continuing her Kindermusik journey while spending the rest of her time at home raising her daughter Anna and her son Aiden. She is honored to be part of such an amazing program and a large international network of licensed Kindermusik educators.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Kindermusik for the Young Child – Music Theory for 5-6 year olds
Kindermusik for the Young Child is a 2 year Music Theory program
designed for 5 – 7 year olds (about the time they start Kindergarten)
Kindermusik for the Young Child is simply the BEST way for children this age to be introduced to the world of music theory, music history, and a variety of musical and cultural styles. We explore music concepts through movement, then apply them to real instruments.
Through fun songs, games, and movement, students learn to read and write rhythms and notes on a staff. Students learn to use their music memories (audiation) to play songs on three different instruments, the glockenspiel (a keyboard instrument), the dulcimer (a stringed instrument), and the recorder (a wind instrument).
We cover musical stories, from classical to cultural, and get a basic understanding of instruments from the orchestra and from different cultures around the world, with hands-on experience (as much as I can afford or arrange). We have such a great time learning; you should see the look on their faces when they get to learn a new note! And their homework each week presents games and activities that help them gain critical music skills.
Fall – Sem 1: basic music concepts (sound/silence, fast/slow, high/low, etc.), reading/writing basic rhythms, reading and writing the first 2 notes on the staff & playing them on the glockenspiel, introduction to orchestra instruments, intro. to Mozart & Opera: The Magic Flute.
Spring – Sem 2: Pentatonic scale, learning to play pentatonic songs on the glockenspiel, as well as read & write on the staff, continue studying orchestral instruments, study instruments in context with Peter & the Wolf, as well as the Young Person’s guide to the Orchestra.
Fall – Sem. 3: – Complete a full octave scale, expand study of rhythms and music theory, introduction to a variety of North American cultural music styles and instruments, get to make and play their own dulcimer, ensemble work, and continued theory on the glockenspiel.
Spring – Sem 4: Introduction to songs in alternate keys (glockenspiel allows keys to be replaced with sharp or flat notes), introduced to world music cultural styles, musical stories, and instruments, introduced to playing the Recorder, able to recognize Form in music and other more abstract music concepts.
Once students have completed this two year program (four semesters, two per school year), they are ready to choose an instrument and be successful in formal music lessons.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Kindermusik Imagine That for Preschoolers
designed for children from 3 to 5 years old.
Each day in Imagine That! is an imaginative journey filled with music, movement, and exploration leading to whole child development, music development, and learning through play and self-discovery. If you have a child in this age range, you KNOW that their imaginations are in overdrive. This wonderful program allows us to delve into their imagination with them, shaping and reshaping worlds where learning occurs as naturally as breathing, where singing comes as naturally as talking, and where children can explore being other people or animals, as easy as exploring being themselves. In the process, children gain valuable music skills, such as developing their singing voice, playing a steady beat, ensemble development, and much more that prepares them for success in further music opportunities, as well as for life.
Sessions are 45 min. a week for 15 weeks. Students attend independently for 30 minutes, then parents join for the last 15 min.
Each Imagine That! class is focused on creating a stimulating musical environment that integrates music, pretend play, story telling, movement, and more. Because Kindermusik so strongly believes that all children learn the most from their home experiences and interactions with their parents and siblings, each semester comes with a full set of home materials that provide high-quality tools for continuing the learning at home. Each set contains:
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2 CDs of high quality music featuring a variety of voices, instruments, and styles
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2 Children’s literature books with interesting characters, story lines, and word plays
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A Home Activity Book which includes the words & melodies of the songs, as well as “homework” assignments after each class to help bring the learning home
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A Play Set based on the theme of the semester – where the imagination can more fully process the learning that takes place
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an instrument – designed for durability and a high quality sound that will encourage a love of music making, and provide opportunities to learn steady beat and ensemble development. -
During the first semester, each Imagine That! student also recieves a turquoise Kindermusik backpack to carry their instruments and projects back and forth to class.
There are four units of the Imagine That! program, each with a unique theme that interests children this age.
Spring 2010
“Toys I Make, Trips I Take” introduces the musical environment of a remarkable toy shop, with our imaginary friend, a very creative toy maker. Students help “build” the toys, “BE” the toys, and expand on where each toy can take a child and their imagination. We fill this magical toy shop with classic toys such as boats, trains, balls, jack-in-the-box and many others that bring a glimmer into a child’s eyes.
Included in this semester’s materials is a high quality drum that your child will enjoy, and this drum allows us to focus on exploring the different timbres of sound one can make, as well as developing a strong steady beat, and being introduced to rhythmic patterns. The play set is a durable Toy Shop scenario, with punch out toys, as well as a paper toy bear with interchangeable clothes, to act out the songs, stories, and activities featured in class. The two children’s books are as follows:
- “Tippity Tippity Too” – a wonderful rhyming wordplay book, about a mouse that is determined to find out the name of all the stuffed animal characters in the house. You’ll find yourselves asking everything “Who are YOU?” and trying to make rhymes!
- “If I Had a Big Blue Boat” – a beautiful open ended book that launches us into our imaginations of where we might go, and what we might do, in our big blue boat. Each page plays around with sounds so marvalously, children are drawn to add these fun sound effects, thereby developing their speech and articulation skills.
Fall 2010
“Hello Weather, Let’s Play Together” introduces children to the world of weather. We begin with the sun rising, and waking up to the crowing of a Rooster (in Spanish), and make our merry way through windy weather, rainfall, scary stormy weather, and even end off the semester by playing in snow and ice skating. Honest! You can do amazing things in the world of the imagination!
Our weather play is enhanced by the instruments that come with the materials. We enjoy wearing our ANKLE BELLS as we join the Native Americans in their dance to honor the sun, and call forth the rain. And the various sounds that are made with the WOODEN RAIN SHAKER accent the songs we use about rain and thunderstorms. The play set includes a Game Cube, with surfaces that allow
Spring 2011
“Cities! Busy Places, Friendly Faces” allows children to musically explore and celebrate many of the aspects of living in a city, all of the wonderful sights and sounds, including silent statues as well as the complexities of the wonderful timbres that can be heard on the busy thoroughfares. In our story telling, we follow the adventures of a little boy and his dog, as they take walks through the city, and even what happens when the dog gets lost. 
Many types of people are found in the city, artists, musicians, and even mime artists, and we enjoy taking “photos” of all the people we meet.
The children use their beautiful sounding resonator bars to reflect the sounds they hear from Steeple Bells, and practice steady beat and ensemble development. And the very creative cards and puzzle board can be used to play an incredible amount of different games and activities.
Fall 2011
“See What I Saw“ is a whole semester of what can happen in a park – playing on the play ground, searching for “nature” treasures, having a picnic in the park, and so much more. Josh and Katie are the featured characters in our storytelling, and in their 
Park Play Set, where the panoramic scenario and punch out play pieces offer hours of fun re-creating our fun adventures in the park. Our song about sliding down the slide is a wonderful way to learn and practice our glissandos, and it’s even more fun when we use our graceful slide whistles that come with the home materials.
Kindermusik Our Time for Toddlers
designed for 1 1/2 to 3 year olds.
This Kindermusik program is a wonderful place for families to experience the social world of children and adults, while children learn to participate in structured group setting. Toddlers learn to balance their need to explore their world independently, and their continued need for the close bond and security of the parent or significant partner (close relative or friend) with whom they attend. All the while learning to love music through rhymes, songs, movement, and exploratory play.
Materials include:
- 2 CDs of high quality music featuring a variety of voices, instruments, and styles presenting songs and chants based on the unit theme.
- 2 Children’s literature books with interesting characters, story lines, and word plays
- Home Activity Book which includes the words & melodies of the songs, as well as ideas, cut out games, and optional resources to help bring the learning home.
- A Unique Instrument – designed and made durable, specifically for young children to enjoy.
- A cool carrying container, designed around the theme of the semester or one of the characters in the book. This becomes a wonderful tool for open-ended play throughout the semester, and beyond.
Spring Semester 2010
Away We Go! – Hop on the train, get in the car, board the plane, ride a horse and Away We Go! This delightful unit focuses on transportation, a favorite topic for toddlers who are on the go, go, go! Sing and play along with favorite songs, such as “I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad” and “Wheels on the Bus”. Explore fast and slow, smooth and bumpy, and high and low, and much, much more. Zoom, Zoom! The instrument is a set of two harmonicas especially designed for children to play easily. The cardboard case is designed in the shape of their soon to be favorite train, Shiney Dinah.
Fall Semester 2010
Milk and Cookies! – Yummy! Using a favorite snack as a class theme, we’ll give you songs and stories to bring more music into daily routines with your toddler—if it’s going to the store, baking cookies, or spending time together in the kitchen. Each activity was carefully created to help your toddler build confidence, self-control, and social skills. The instrument is a wooden stir-xylophone. The case is a vinyl, Velcro insulated lunch bag you’ll use long after this class is over.
Spring Semester 2011
Fiddle Dee Dee – Animals make marvalous sounds, move in unusual ways, and have specific characteristics that children simply find fascinating. Through these songs and activities, families will explore the world of animals, from pets to farm animals and so much more. The instrument is a set of two FiddleSticks – hollow rhythm sticks with wooden beads to rattle inside. The music on the CD features a variety of stringed instruments, and music from around the world. The case is a colorful cardboard doghouse, designed for creative play!
Fall Semester 2011
Wiggles & Giggles – Children love to move in so many ways. Bathtime themes such as bubbles, water, boats and more are introduced by the book “Pete & PJ” Children love the simple story and motive on each page, “Wishy Washy, Wishy Washy, Wishy Wasy, WHEEeeee!” The next book, “Watch Me!” introduces fun new ways that animals move. And the last part of the semester focuses on the love between family and friends. The instrument is a set of blue zig zag blocks, and the case is a cool green mesh zippered bag.
For more information on a class near you, make your way to the Educator Locator at www.kindermusik.com .
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Kindermusik Family Time
Kindermusik’s Family Time program is designed for families with children of all ages. Whether there is one child or many in a family, all will find a unique way to play and bond while learning new songs, and developing new skills. Parents and children alike enjoy the social aspects of this fun family class, as well as the fresh songs, activities, and ideas that can be incorporated into our daily lives.
Although this video is a bit LONG, around 15 min., you will be spellbound in watching the process of music come alive with these families, and learn why you might find it just the RIGHT type of program for your family!
The Family Time program is actually quite flexible, allowing educators to offer 5 week, 10 week, or 15 week semesters. These can be offered during the week days, at night, or even for Saturday classes. Some educators even offer a once a month Saturday class featuring Family Time. It is also offered as a Family Adventure Camp during the Summer. No matter how it is presented, the Family Time program really brings families together to interact in so many new ways with each other (giving siblings MANY alternatives to picking and bickering), and to socialize in such fun ways with other children and adults in a safe and fun family atmosphere.
As with ALL the Kindermusik programs, a quality set of home materials are a integral part of the program. We believe that parents, as a child’s first teacher, has an awesome opportunity to use these tools to continue the learning activities at home – where the child is able to repeat and adapt the activities well enough to really glean all the learning that is possible. For example, check out the themes and ALL of the following materials that comes with:
The Home Materials kit comes in a clear plastic zippered bag with handles and includes:
- Two CDs full of high quality music the whole family will enjoy (including songs used in class);
- Two children’s literature books; Each children’s book also contains a comic strip on the first page featuring the characters in the Jellybean Band, and a fun seek and find picture on the back page.
- A Family Activity Guide with song lyrics, as well as ideas for how to bring the learning home (craft ideas, homemade instrument ideas, etc.) and how to adapt the ideas for differing ages of children.
- Two instruments, specifically designed for children (perfect sizes for little hands and big parades),
- Two puppets, Both a hand puppet and a finger puppet, featuring a Jelly Bean Band character;
- AND a Game in which preschool and older children enjoy expanding on the concepts presented.
You will be impressed at how integrated all the elements of this kit are designed to enhance each other for a whole child learning environment.
There are FOUR units of Family Time, each with their own themes, five sub-themes, and unique parts of materials:
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Our Kind of Day
Our Kind of Day celebrates the routines of the day, offering unique ways to include music throughout the family’s daily activities. These techniques can truly enhance the harmony in family interactions.
Themes: Playtime …. Mealtime …. Clean-up Time …. Bath Time …. Nighttime
Unique Materials: Books: ”Bouncing on the Bed”, and “Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes”; Double Egg Shakers; Hopper & Bounce, the Kangaroo puppets, and a Jellybean Band Domino game.
***** Here, There, and Everywhere!
This semester celebrates they ways a family goes out and about!
There are songs to accompany road trips, no matter how long, and fun music and ideas to accent your adventures.
Themes: A Visit with a Friend……… An Outing at the Park………. A Trip to the City………….. An Afternoon at the Aquarium………. A Day at the Farm
Unique Materials: Books: ”Jingle, Jangle Jambourine”, and “Flip, Flap, Sugar Snap”; Jambourines; Wags, the Dog puppets; and a Jellybean Band Board Game.
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Moving and Grooving
Moving & Grooving celebrates all the ways to move; with our bodies, with our voices, and with music. The best way to learn concepts is through multi-sensory exploration of opposites. This is music and movement exploration at it’s best!
Themes: Tempo (fast/slow) ……… Levels (high/low) ………. Pathways (Straight/Curvy… & more) ………….. Weight (light/heavy) ………. Energy (sharp/smooth)
Unique Materials: Books: ”Put Your Left Paw In”, and “Catch Me”; Den-Den Drums; Rascal, the Monkey puppets, Card Game based on locomotor movements featuring Jelly Bean Band characters.
***** Make Way for Music ! (materials shown as example set)
Make Way for Music celebrates five magnificent aspects of music, introducing very abstract concepts through singing, moving, and personal involvement in the process of making music.
Themes: Beat and Rhythm……… Concepts and Contrasts………. Our Voices………….. Instrument Families………. Ensemble
Unique Materials: Books: ”Drum Circle”, and “Animals on Parade”; Finger Drums; Rex, the Lion puppets, Card Game featuring instruments of the orchestra.
Find out more information, and locate a teacher near you at www.kindermusik.com .
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Family Time is Fabulous in Florida
Congratulations to the following Florida Educators who were recently recognized at the Kindermusik Convention in Chicago:
Marne Gleason
Largest Kindermusik Family Time Program Worldwide
Websites:
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Debbie Mondale
2nd Largest Kindermusik Family Time Program Worldwide
Website: http://musiconnx.kindermusik.net
Blog: http://musiconnx.wordpress.com
and http://mcresources.wordpress.com
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These awards show promise that Florida is a leader in providing Kindermusik opportunities for families. Marne and Debbie have also achieved Maestro -Producer Status for several years now, which means they are in the top 5% of educators worldwide. Each of them offer all the core curricullum, including Village, Our Time, Imagine That!, and Kindermusik for the Young Child. In addition to their strong core classes, both educators started offering Family Time in the Summer or Fall of 2007, believing that the Family Time program can be JUST the PERFECT program for some families for the following reasons:
- Many families have multiple children including a variety of ages, and just don’t have the time, or energy to have each child enroll in their own age specific classes.
- Many families really enjoy spending time with ALL of their children in a fun, interactive environment.
- Families report that the older children initiate and engage the younger children in more playful and friendly ways at home using some of the ideas presented in class.
Kindermusik in Florida 
