A reminder for Savannah-area families of children ages 0-7 who are interested in enhancing and enriching the musical development of your child:  Monthly enrollment in Kindermusik early music education classes is available online and classes are offered Monday-Fridays.

Come join Kindermusik parent-and-child sessions for a fall musical treat.

Check out some of the classes being offered in October:

Toddlers Tuesday mornings at 10:20 AM: “Milk and Cookies” is the theme. To Market, To Market:Pretend trips to the market in class will surely spice up your real-life shopping excursions, and light the spark of creativity in your young shopper. Songs, rhymes and instrument exploration focus on long and short sounds – musical concepts that will help your child understand musical note values in years to come.

Wednesdays at 10 AM: Infants to 18 months. “Zoom Buggy” is the theme. Trav’lin ‘Round:Introduce your baby to the music of many cultures from Russia, to Indonesia, to Israel and more. Dances, lap bounces, and instrument play focus on the long and short sounds of music as well as the thrill of riding in a rocket ship and a canoe.

Thursdays at 3:20 PM: For 0-7 year olds. “Family Time” is the theme.

Kindermusik will offer a one-time playdate at the end of October. Look for details coming soon.

Kindermusik is a classroom learning experience. KINDERMUSIK with 88 KEYS PIANO in Savannah teaches children music so they can become better learners. It’s not about making little Mozarts. It’s about developing skills in the whole child – ages newborn to 7 years – cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language and musical. For more than 25 years, Kindermusik has believed music is the best conductor for learning.

Kindermusik offers easy automated MONTHLY payment systems. No more lump sum “semester” fees due. Now you can easily budget for Kindermusik classes all year round because the payment is the same EVERY month.

Register online today here, as all class sizes are limited!

More info on all of the above by clicking here.

Marina Lindblom, 88 KEYS PIANO/Kindermusik, 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com, www.88keysga.com . Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Studio 2424 offers various MusikGarten family music sessions for toddlers and babies in Savannah, Pooler, Statesboro & Hilton Head Is.

Among them are classes for ages 0-5 at 10 AM & 4:30 PM every Wednesday at Monkey Joe’s, 311 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah. Pre-register at www.gmwmg.com

The class sessions are designed to nurture children’s music aptitude by engaging them with their families in singing and movement activities which help attune the ear, refine the voice, and develop an ease with rhythmical movement and expression. Instrumental activities range from marking simple rhythms with sticks, chimes and drums, to singing and playing strings and keyboards from notation. Details about classes here.

FREE preview classes! The class schedule includes morning and evening classes at Monkey Joe’s in Savannah. Curriculum for homeschoolers and nursery schools also available. Register for classes here.

Class Schedule for 2012

Ages of Children Class Name/Days & Times 1- 5 yrs Curriculum for Homeschoolers, Nursery Schools, and Day Care Centers By Appointment 0- 5 yrs Monkey Joe’s, 311 Eisenhower Dr, Savannah, Wed 10am Wednesdays, 10 AM 0- 5 yrs Monkey Joe’s, 311 Eisenhower Dr, Savannah, Wed 4:30pm Wednesdays, 4:30 PM Newborn through age 5 Averitt Center Thurs 10:15am Thursdays 10:15 AM Newborn through age 5 Averitt Center Thurs 11am Thursdays 11 AM Newborn through age 5 Averitt Center Thurs 11:45am Thursdays 11:45 AM Newborn through age 5 Averitt Center Thurs 12:30 Thursdays 12:30 am Newborn – 3yrs, 4-7yrs, 8- 10yrs Private Party: Pick Your Theme Two hours of enriching fun and frolic with themed music and activities.

To sign up for a free preview class, click here.

Studio 2424 – Music is FUNdamental: Come over and PLAY! Savannah, Pooler, Hilton Head, Statesboro tel: 912-434-1604 or 866-645-7501, http://www.gmwmg.com Studio 2424 is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Check out the new MusikGarten family music sessions for toddlers and babies in Savannah, Pooler,  Statesboro & Hilton Head Is.

The class sessions – presented by Studio 2424 – are designed to nurture children’s music aptitude by engaging them with their families in singing and movement activities which help attune the ear, refine the voice, and develop an ease with rhythmical movement and expression. Instrumental activities range from marking simple rhythms with sticks, chimes and drums, to singing and playing strings and keyboards from notation. Details about classes here.

FREE preview classes! The class schedule includes morning and evening classes at Monkey Joe’s in Savannah. Curriculum for homeschoolers and nursery schools also available. Register for classes here.

Class Schedule for 2012

Ages of Children Class Name/Days & Times 1- 5 yrs Curriculum for Homeschoolers, Nursery Schools, and Day Care Centers By Appointment 0- 5 yrs Monkey Joe’s, 311 Eisenhower  Dr, Savannah,  Wed 10am Wednesdays, 10 AM 0- 5 yrs Monkey Joe’s, 311 Eisenhower Dr, Savannah, Wed 4:30pm Wednesdays, 4:30 PM Newborn through age 5 Averitt Center Thurs 10:15am Thursdays 10:15 AM Newborn through age 5 Averitt Center Thurs 11am Thursdays 11 AM Newborn through age 5 Averitt Center Thurs 11:45am Thursdays 11:45 AM Newborn through age 5 Averitt Center Thurs 12:30 Thursdays 12:30 am Newborn – 3yrs, 4-7yrs, 8- 10yrs Private Party:  Pick Your Theme Two hours of enriching fun and frolic with themed music and activities.

To sign up for a free preview class, click here.

Studio 2424 – Music is FUNdamental: Come over and PLAY! Savannah, Pooler, Hilton Head, Statesboro tel: 912-434-1604 or 866-645-7501, http://www.gmwmg.com Studio 2424 is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

From October 1 through 6, teaching artists of Project 440 will introduce young people to Classical Music via community engagement programs, workshops and in-school residencies.

Founded by three Savannah natives, including Executive Director Joseph Conyers, Assistant Principal Bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Project 440 works to strengthen communities through music by educating future generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

The Project 440 team will perform in eight library branches as part of the Live Oak Public Libraries MusicAlive! Series, present workshops in instrumental instruction for local educational organizations and conduct residency activities at some local schools.

During these FREE MusicAlive! Inspiration Station Discover program, kids will learn how a simple idea can inspire an entire musical composition! Musicians demonstrate how different rhythms, melodies and harmonies combine to create a musical masterpiece. Kids will be introduced to classical music through Project 440’s MusicAlive! series.

Savannah Music Festival and Live Oak Public Libraries present the FREE Project 440 program at various locations including:

Tuesday, October 2
10:30 AM – Hinesville Branch Library

Wednesday, October 3
10:30 AM – Pooler Branch Library
1:00 PM – Islands Branch Library
4:00 PM – Bull Street Library

Thursday, October 4
10:30 AM – Springfield Branch Library
1:00 PM – West Broad Branch Library
4:00 PM – Oglethorpe Mall Branch Library

Friday, October 5
10:30 AM – Southwest Chatham Library

ABOUT PROJECT 440
Project 440 is designed to educate, encourage, and empower communities through Classical Music. Focused on service, our organization seeks to establish music as a central tool for education, leadership, and community building. Founded by three Savannah natives, Blake Espy, Catherine Miller, and Joseph Conyers, Project 440 currently manages three major initiatives: Community Artists Program in partnership with the Curtis Institute of Music, High School Seminar for youth orchestras across the country, and collaborative initiative with local organizations in Savannah including the Live Oak Public Libraries and the Savannah Music Festival. For more information visit www.project440.org .

You gotta love this: this year’s popular Picnic in the Park in Savannah will have a Pet Costume Contest!

The City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs and TailsSpin Pet Supply Store are joining forces to host PAWrade at Picnic in the Park at Forsyth Park on Sunday, October 7th from 2-4 p.m. in conjunction with the city’s Picnic in the Park event.

Picnic in the Park is one of Savannah’s largest and most adored events. In 2011, approximately 23,000 people attended Picnic in the Park which featured an evening of music, entertainment, costume contest, and of course picnics.

This year’s theme is “Some Enchanted Evening”. The pet costume contest will be based on this theme. The “Some Enchanted Evening” Picnic in the Park theme will be branded as a whimsical fairytale. You have the option to dress your furry friend in a variety of costumes from a princess, villain or even a mystical creature.

Entrance fee: $10. Contestants may apply at either TailsSpin location, or at the Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs on Henry Street. Payment may be made in cash, check or credit card at either TailsSpin location; cash or check only at the Department of Cultural Affairs. Participants are encouraged to donate more than the $10 entry fee.

Proceeds to benefit the Savannah Pet Rescue Agencies: Humane Society of Greater Savannah, Coastal Pet Rescue, F.A.C.T.S. and Save-A-Life, Inc.

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners. Blue Buffalo and TailsSpin will provide 3 months of 30 lb bags of Blue Buffalo and a $50.00 Gift Certificate to the first place winner, 3 months of 15 lb bags and a $40.00 Gift Certificate to the second place winner and 3 months of 6 lb bags and a $30.00 Gift Certificate to the third place winner. Each winner will also receive a case of Blue Buffalo treats.

PAWrade at the Picnic in the Park is being co-sponsored by the City of Savannah Cultural Affairs Department, TailsSpin, Fleet Feet Sports, as well as media sponsors Connect Savannah and 98.7 The River.

A reminder for Savannah-area families of children ages 0-7 who are interested in enhancing and enriching the musical development of your child: Kindermusik early music education classes start the week of Sept. 9. Monthly enrollment is available online and classes are offered Monday-Fridays.

Come join Kindermusik parent-and-child sessions for a cool musical treat.

Kindermusik is a classroom learning experience. KINDERMUSIK with 88 KEYS PIANO in Savannah teaches children music so they can become better learners. It’s not about making little Mozarts. It’s about developing skills in the whole child – ages newborn to 7 years – cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language and musical. For more than 25 years, Kindermusik has believed music is the best conductor for learning.

Brand NEW school year classes with monthly subscription: All classes last 32 weeks, from the week of September 10 through May of 2013.
Here are some notable benefits of Kindermusik’s monthly subscription classes:
1. Easy automated MONTHLY payment systems. No more lump sum “semester” fees due. Now you can easily budget for Kindermusik classes all year round because the payment is the same EVERY month.
2. NO PAYMENT until September: Reserve your space TODAY with NO FEES TAKEN until Sept. 4. Secure your child’s spot in class without any financial commitment until the Fall.
3. Easy to stay enrolled; easy to withdraw if needed. Just let Kindermusik know by email before the first of each month and your credit/debit card won’t be billed the following month. Monthly billing is done on the 4th of each month.
4. Easy to transfer classes when your child gets to be the next age level. No more waiting until a new “semester” begins. When your child is old enough to move up, just let Kindermusik know and they’ll move them at the beginning of the next month. Simple and convenient.
5. New monthly mini-themes and new home materials with each change of session.
6. Twenty-two classes to choose from each week; M-F, 9am-5pm. Choose the one that’s best for YOU.
7. Unlimited make-ups! Just email or call Kindermusik to let them know so they can make sure there’s space in class.
8. Smiles and satisfaction guarantee: If you aren’t completely satisfied with your Kindermusik experience after one month, just send Kindermusik an email before the 1st of the month to let them know and they won’t debit your card the following month. If any materials were given, they are yours to keep without further obligations.
9. If you ARE completely satisfied with your Kindermusik experience, take advantage of the REFERRAL REWARDS: If you are enrolled and you bring in a NEW Kindermusik family, Kindermusik will credit your account for $10 for the next consecutive month. PLUS, Kindermusik will give your friend a FREE download card for 10 FREE songs from play.kindermusik.com.

Register online today here, as all class sizes are limited!

DIGITAL HOME MATERIALS: Get out your smartphones and iPads. On Friday mornings, Kindermusik will be offering classes for 3 age groups with DIGITAL home materials.

Monday thru Thursday classes, plus Friday afternoon classes will still be using PHYSICAL home materials. These Friday morning classes will turn over NEW themes EACH month, so you will get new materials EACH month.

More info on all of the above by clicking here.

Marina Lindblom, 88 KEYS PIANO/Kindermusik, 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com, www.88keysga.com . Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

MusikGarten offers classes on Tuesdays – Wednesdays – Fridays starting September 11th, 12th, 14th;
Feel invited to learn more HERE

Children are naturally drawn to music. By engaging your children in music classes you are not only giving them a “leg-up” on their musical development but on all other educational pursuits as well.

Everybody Plays – At Every Age

Coastal Orff Academy ages 9 to 12
The Coastal Orff Academy is now accepting students age 9-12 for group music classes.
In game-like atmosphere students explore and learn music fundamentals by playing, singing, and moving.
Everyone is welcome and no prior music knowledge is required.
Classes on Saturdays 2-3:30 PM start September 8th
Please find more information and details HERE

Instrument Circle
Get expert advice in choosing the right band instrument.

Private Lessons
For Trumpet, Trombone and Tuba; Saxophone, Clarinet and Flute; Guitar, Bass;
Violin, Viola, Cello and Contra bass; Drums, Piano and Voice;

Please find more information and details HERE or pay MusikGarten a visit at their New Location:

Georgia Music Warehouse 2424 Abercorn – 31401 Savannah GA

Musikgarten offers parent-and-child classes @ Georgia Music Warehouse, 2424 Abercorn St, Savannah, 31401. (Rear Lot entrance) FREE Preview classes.  More info here. Musikgarten is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

A popular Savannah spot for group parent-and-me music sessions for tots & private instrument lessons for older kids – Ms. Amy’s School of Music – has a new teacher joining the studio. Her name is Anne Marie Roy and she will begin teaching instrumental music one day a week.  She will have Wednesdays available for starters. Interested parents can contact her at : 1.517.260.3252 or email at mrsannemarieroy@gmail.com

Anne Marie Roy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Northern Michigan University where she participated in marching band, concert band, and many other instrumental
ensembles. Anne Marie has been teaching music lessons on and off for the past 10 years and is very passionate that ALL students can learn and benefit from music, including those with exceptionalities. She is excited to join Ms. Amy’s School of Music

Ms Amy is also now offering a Music Makers Class (ages 3 – 5 years)  on Thursdays from 11-11:45 AM in addition to Wednesdays (11-11:45 AM) as well as Toddler Tunes classes (ages 18 mos. – 3 years) offered Tuesdays & Wednesdays and a Mixed Music Makers on Saturdays (6 months – 5 years).

For a complete list classes offered, days, and times, visit Ms. Amy’s School of Music website here.

Connect with Ms. Amy’s School of Music on Facebook here. For more info, visit www.msamyschoolofmusic.com, email msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com , 912.659.0993, 1 ½ blocks from Daffin Park at 2421 Waters Ave. Ms. Amy’s School of Music is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Don’t forget about FREE Kindermusik classes happening this week of Aug. 20 for ages 0-7.

The FREE DEMO DAYS at Kindermusik with 88 KEYS PIANO will be Wed. Aug. 22 and on Fri. Aug. 24. These will be a preview of the classes that begin in September. Preregisteration required for these FREE DEMO classes, as space is limited to 12 and classes fill up quickly. Register here.

Below is the schedule for FREE DEMO CLASSES:
**FREE Village DEMO (0-20 months): 9:30am
**FREE Our Time DEMO (18 months to 3.5 years): 10:20am
**FREE Imagine That DEMO (3-5 years): 11:10am
**FREE Young Child DEMO (5-7 years): 4pm

Also, short one-week Just Mom’n’Me” Kindermusik session is the week of August 26: Did Big Brother or Big Sister go back to school recently? How about easing the transition for your little one by spending some quality time with him/her? Kindermusik will be offering “Peek A Boo, I Love You!” for 0-20 months, and their brand new curriculum, “Time for Lunch” for toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 years old! Peek A Boo meets M-F at 9:30 and Time for Lunch meets T-F at 10:20. Register online today here, as all class sizes are limited!

More info on all of the above and on the upcoming new Kindermusik school year classes  by clicking here.

Marina Lindblom, 88 KEYS PIANO/Kindermusik, 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com, www.88keysga.com . Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Attention Savannah-area Families of Children Ages 0-7 who are interested in enhancing and enriching the musical development of your child.

Come join Kindermusik parent-and-child sessions for a cool musical treat in August, and again in the Fall with more Kindermusik and find out about some FREE Kindermusik classes.

Kindermusik is a classroom learning experience. KINDERMUSIK with 88 KEYS PIANO in Savannah teaches children music so they can become better learners. It’s not about making little Mozarts. It’s about developing skills in the whole child – ages newborn to 7 years – cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language and musical. For more than 25 years, Kindermusik has believed music is the best conductor for learning.

AUGUST 15th playdates: Join Kindermusik with your 3.5 and younger children for a morning of one-time playdates. It’ll be ONE HOUR of solid musical fun beginning at 9:30am for babies (up to 20 months) and 10:40am for toddlers (18 months to 4 years). Sessions begin with an instrument “petting zoo”, followed by structured musical activities sure to delight all. Gather together your playdate groups for one morning of musical playdates. Expect to see these one-time playdates pop up at random times throughout the school year.

“Just Mom’n’Me” one-week session the week of August 26: Did Big Brother or Big Sister go back to school recently? How about easing the transition for your little one by spending some quality time with him/her? Kindermusik will be offering “Peek A Boo, I Love You!” for 0-20 months, and their brand new curriculum, “Time for Lunch” for toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 years old! Peek A Boo meets M-F at 9:30 and Time for Lunch meets T-F at 10:20.

Register online today here, as all class sizes are limited!

FREE Kindermusik classes: FREE DEMO DAYS at Kindermusik with 88 KEYS PIANO on Wed. Aug. 22 and on Fri. Aug. 24. These will be a preview of the classes that begin in September. Preregisteration required for these FREE DEMO classes, as space is limited and classes fill up quickly. Register here.

Below is the schedule for FREE DEMO CLASSES:
**FREE Village DEMO (0-20 months): 9:30am
**FREE Our Time DEMO (18 months to 3.5 years): 10:20am
**FREE Imagine That DEMO (3-5 years): 11:10am
**FREE Young Child DEMO (5-7 years): 4pm

Brand NEW school year classes with monthly subscription: All classes last 32 weeks, from the week of September 10 through May of 2013.
Here are some notable benefits of Kindermusik’s monthly subscription classes:
1. Easy automated MONTHLY payment systems. No more lump sum “semester” fees due. Now you can easily budget for Kindermusik classes all year round because the payment is the same EVERY month.
2. NO PAYMENT until September: Reserve your space TODAY with NO FEES TAKEN until Sept. 4. Secure your child’s spot in class without any financial commitment until the Fall.
3. Easy to stay enrolled; easy to withdraw if needed. Just let Kindermusik know by email before the first of each month and your credit/debit card won’t be billed the following month. Monthly billing is done on the 4th of each month.
4. Easy to transfer classes when your child gets to be the next age level. No more waiting until a new “semester” begins. When your child is old enough to move up, just let Kindermusik know and they’ll move them at the beginning of the next month. Simple and convenient.
5. New monthly mini-themes and new home materials with each change of session.
6. Twenty-two classes to choose from each week; M-F, 9am-5pm. Choose the one that’s best for YOU.
7. Unlimited make-ups! Just email or call Kindermusik to let them know so they can make sure there’s space in class.
8. Smiles and satisfaction guarantee: If you aren’t completely satisfied with your Kindermusik experience after one month, just send Kindermusik an email before the 1st of the month to let them know and they won’t debit your card the following month. If any materials were given, they are yours to keep without further obligations.
9. If you ARE completely satisfied with your Kindermusik experience, take advantage of the REFERRAL REWARDS: If you are enrolled and you bring in a NEW Kindermusik family, Kindermusik will credit your account for $10 for the next consecutive month. PLUS, Kindermusik will give your friend a FREE download card for 10 FREE songs from play.kindermusik.com.

DIGITAL HOME MATERIALS: Get out your smartphones and iPads. On Friday mornings, Kindermusik will be offering classes for 3 age groups with DIGITAL home materials.

Monday thru Thursday classes, plus Friday afternoon classes will still be using PHYSICAL home materials. These Friday morning classes will turn over NEW themes EACH month, so you will get new materials EACH month.

More info on all of the above by clicking here.

Marina Lindblom, 88 KEYS PIANO/Kindermusik, 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com, www.88keysga.com . Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Thank you Hope Harris, winner of the Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award, for your newest children’s CD, “Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can you!)!”

This CD celebration of visual artists from the 19th & 20th century is not only packed with entertaining tunes, it is a fun way for kids to receive mini musical lessons about art and artists – Romare Bearden, Jackson Pollock, Paul Klee, David Hockney, Pablo Picasso, Grandma Moses, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Claude Money and Georgia O’Keeffe.

My kids’ favorite on the CD is “A-C-T-I-O-N,” an upbeat ode to the “action painting” of abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock.

Be prepared for lots of questions about the artists from your little listeners. And get ready for them to be inspired. In the CD’s eleventh and final track, “Paint a Picture, Too,” Hope encourages children to make all kinds of art. After listening to “Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can You!),” chances are your little ones will be inspired too,
“PICASSO, THAT’S WHO! (AND SO CAN YOU!)” released in May 2012
www.hopeharris.com

Other children’s CDs worth checking out:

Putumayo Kids “Cowboy Playground” is the newest release from the prolific purveyor of international music. Your little buckaroos can groove to tunes by 12 artists (Johnny Bregar, Victor Johnson, Buck Howdy and Riders in the Sky among them) www.putumayokids.com

.

Alastair Moock’s family music CD, “These Are My Friends” is a collection of warm new real-life songs that won a NAPPA Gold Award. My kids and I love this CD and each and every one of its 14 rootsy songs especially the fractured nursery rhyme “CBAs and a Twinkle Baa”. Preschoolers (and their parents) will identify with Moock’s “Three Like Me.” A big bow to the Boston-based Moock for creating this creative hootenanny.
www.moockmusic.com

Disclosure: We received CDs at no cost to review.

The ever-popular Ms. Amy’s School of Music in Savannah is adding two more parent-and-me group classes for Summer 2012!

Toddler Tunes new classes for students from 18 mos. – 3 years are Tuesdays from 11:00-11:45 starting June 5 2012. Mixed Music Makers for students from 3 – 5 years is on Fridays from 10-10:45 AM starting on June 8 2012! These new classes are in addition to the kids’ parent-and-me classes offered on Wednesdays & Saturdays throughout the year. See the schedule below.

Email msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com or 912.659.0993.

You can start your session any week including this one! Think of it as a punch card that you can use any time classes are held. For details, click here. Please say SouthernMamas.com sent you!

Parent-and-me group music classes for Summer 2012 at Ms. Amy’s School of Music

Tuesdays (starting June 5)
11-11:45 AM (Toddler Tunes for students from 18 mos. – 3 years.)

Wednesdays (ongoing)
10-10:45 AM (Class for ages 18 months – 3 years)
11-11:45 AM (Class for ages 3-5 years)

Fridays (starting June 8)
10-10:45 AM (Mixed Music Makers for students from 3 – 5 years. )

Saturdays (ongoing)
10-10:45 AM (Class for ages 6 months – 5 years)

Ms. Amy also offers other types of music lessons: private and group music instrument lessons for piano, woodwinds, brass, voice, music discovery, and beginner guitar. Ms. Amy is currently unable to accept new students for instrument lessons as her schedule is full. If you would like to schedule a trial lesson and reserve a spot on the waiting list, please contact msamsychoolofmusic@gmail.com.

Connect with Ms. Amy’s School of Music on Facebook here. For more info, visit www.msamyschoolofmusic.com, email msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com , 912.659.0993, 1 ½ blocks from Daffin Park at 2421 Waters Ave. Ms. Amy’s School of Music is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

88 KEYS PIANO is excited to announce their BRAND NEW location for Kindermusik classes : the NEW Rody’s Music at 7700 Abercorn, just north of Mall Blvd. A beautiful and bright dedicated NEW Kindermusik space with state of the art sound provided by Audio-Video Warehouse. Come join Kindermusik for some summer musical fun!

Kindermusik in Savannah starts summer classes the week of June 25. Classes are offered on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays – for all ages – newborn through 7 years old. It’s not too late to join this week or next online at www.88keysga.com since Kindermusik enrolls anytime. Check out a Kindermusik class at their new central location: 10-11 AM Wed. June 20 for newborns to 18 mos and 11:10am-12:10pm for toddlers 18 months to 4 years. Cost is $12 and includes the class, and take home materials.

The 6-week long summer session begins on June 25. Classes will be offered for ages newborn through 7 years old, so please click here for more info.

All class sizes are limited so enroll today!

Details on classes offered:

Newborns to 2 years old:
“Peek A Boo, I love you!” and “Busy Days”

2-4 year olds:
“Marvelous Me” , Outside my window” and “Zoo Train!”

4-6 year olds:
“Jazz Kitchen”, “Feel the Music” and “On the Road!”

5-7 year olds:
“Tell Me A Tale”

Family Time (0-7 year old siblings combined):
“Our Kind of Day”

All class costs include classes, home materials, instrument and CD for the class. All enrollments also include unlimited make-ups, to meet your busy summer plans!

Enroll today at www.88keysga.com! (click on the Kindermusik link on the 88 Keys Piano home page).

New program: Kindermusik playdates

88 KEYS PIANO  also will be offering one-time Kindermusik playdates on Wednesday, June 6th.

10-11am newborns to 20 month olds
11:10-12:10 – toddlers 18 months to 3.5 years old.

Kindermusik playdates are one-time classes for parents and children together. Playdates last one full hour and consist of 15 minutes of an instrument “petting zoo”, plus home materials of a download card from play.kindermusik.com and an age-appropriate instrument. Pre registering is required – classes are only $12 which include home materials.

Join 88 KEYS PIANO on June 20 for their brand new kindermusik playdates!!

Marina Lindblom, 88 KEYS PIANO/Kindermusik, 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com, www.88keysga.com . Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Savannah Music Festival starts tomorrow March 22 and runs through April 7. The city-wide musical arts event features renowned performers in jazz, classical, Americana and world music.

This year’s festival doesn’t include any family-specific shows, as the festival has in the past (Roger Day!!!!). But there are a few performances that organizers said could be considered appropriate for the whole family including:

-the Rousakis Plaza Swing Central Jazz, Big Band showcase noon Thursday, March 29.  The free open-air showcase will feature the twelve high school big bands participating in Swing Central Jazz. Details here.

-the small combo showcase in Reynolds Square 4-6 PM Friday, March 30.

-CAJUN DANCE PARTY: LOST BAYOU RAMBLERS 6 PM Friday, March 23. Details here

-ZYDECO DANCE PARTY: NATHAN & THE ZYDECO CHA CHAS, 6 PM Friday, March 30. Details here.

The Hello Pops! with Wycliffe Gordon performance at 11 AM on March 27th at the Trustees Theater. is already booked with local school children & not open to the general public. However, home school students are welcome and parents of homeschool children can contact education@savannahmusicfestival.org  or 234.3378 x108 to book seats.

The Savannah Music Festival has hosted several in-theater education concerts for school children in September 2011 and March 2012 in Savannah’s historic downtown and brings music programs to local schools via the SMF’s “Music in Our Schools” series.

“Sounds of Spring” with Music Alive!
The members of MusicAlive! bring stories to life through string and wind instruments playing classical music. Children are also invited to get some hands-on experience in the instrument “petting zoo.” Live Oak Public Libraries presents this special Project 440 program through a partnership with the Curtis Institute of Music and the Savannah Music Festival.
Tuesday, March 20
10:30 a.m. – Bull Street Library
12:30 p.m. – West Broad Library
Wednesday, March 21
10 a.m. – Hinesville Library
12:30 p.m. – Pooler Library
Thursday, March 22
10:30 a.m. – Springfield Library
12:30 p.m. – Thunderbolt Library
4 p.m. – Islands Library
6 p.m. – Southwest Chatham Library
Wednesday, March 21
10 a.m. – Hinesville Library
12:30 p.m. – Pooler Library
Thursday, March 22
10:30 a.m. – Springfield Library
12:30 p.m. – Thunderbolt Library
4 p.m. – Islands Library
6 p.m. – Southwest Chatham Library

For branch addresses, click here.

Back to school after holiday break means it’s time to register your kids for Savannah music, Spanish, art, soccer, gymnastics, swim lessons or swim teams or all of the above.

SouthernMamas.com now lists Children’s Winter 2012 Classes/Sports in one easily accessible spot. Just go to Winter 2012 Classes/Sports at the top of our main page under the SouthernMamas.com logo and you will seen the drop-down menu for Children’s Art Classes; Children’s Music Classes; Children’s Spanish Classes and Children’s Sports. Those categories are also now listed in the left sidebar under Pages.

Lots of fun local children’s programs out there to help kick off 2012. So start registering & happy winter.

Attention Families of Children Ages 0-7.

There’s still time to register for Spring 2012 early childhood music Kindermusik classes. The locally-based Kindermusik has wonderful assortment of musical adventures for you and your children in Savannah, Wilmington Is. & Richmond Hill.

You can join at any time and tuition is prorated!

Swing, sway, laugh, and play! Kindermusik is the #1 music and movement program for children newborn to age seven. For over 30 years we’ve helped children learn and grow in the Kindermusik classroom. As a parent, Kindermusik will strengthen the bond you’re developing with your child and give you tools to bring all kinds of learning home. Kindermusik classes are led by skilled, licensed educators, and our research-based programs will enhance your child’s development while instilling a lifelong love of music.

Classes include:

For the babies (ages 0-20 months): “Cock-A-Doodle-Moo” and “Dew Drops”. Cock a doodle MOO!! takes your little one on an adventure on a tractor through the farm, and all around town to meet many different animals. Dew Drops is a lovely curriculum, complete with Celtic music and Irish dances. Be ready to tap, bounce and fly together with your baby! This class is offered in Savannah, Wilmington Island and Richmond Hill. Class limit: 12 babies.

For the toddlers (ages 1.5-3.5 years): Hang on to your seats for “Away We Go!”. Experience life on a train, rocketship, submarine, boat and airplane as seen through the eyes of your active toddler. Hear the swish swish of the canoe paddles on the water, and fly up in the sky on human airplanes. This class is offered in Savannah, Wilmington Island and Richmond Hill. Class limit: 12 toddlers.

For preschoolers (ages 3 to 5 years): “Imagine That!” on Saturday mornings. The session is called “Toys I make, Trips I take”. Think of it like taking a course inside a child’s imagination. The class will use the theme of a toy shop to make pretend-creations, using rhythm and songs with every imaginary saw, hammer and nail. The result is building the preschooler’s sense of a sequence of events, which is good for storytelling, as well as making his ideas a reality. This class is only offered in Savannah on Saturday mornings. Class limit: 10 preschoolers.

For hearing babies ages 6-36 months: “Sign and Sing – Units A and B”. From the moment you as a parent meet that little one, there is a strong desire to understand. What is he thinking? Is he hungry, tired, too cold, content? Early on, every baby also has an innate desire to communicate. A Kindermusik Sign & Sing class (developed by Signing Smart)  gives parents the tools and knowledge to communicate with their babies using American Sign Language. Through songs and play, both parents and babies learn signs for words like ‘mommy’ and ‘eat’ and as well as practical signs like ‘more,’ ‘milk,’ and when he’s ‘all done.’ This research-proven signing class for hearing children speeds language development, eases frustration and enhances long-term learning abilities. This class is only offering in Savannah on Monday mornings. Class limit: 12 children.

Online registration is now available at www.88keysga.com  (click on the Kindermusik link at the bottom of the home page). Sibling discounts are automatically entered when you sign up online. All classes begin the week of Jan. 22, 2012 and go through mid-May, 2012. All classes are 15 weeks long, except for Sign and Sing, which runs 10 weeks.

Please feel free to contact Kindermusick with any questions. Share this info with out-of-town relatives or grandparents, as Kindermusik is happy to provide “Kindermusik semester” gift certificates all year round. Give the gift of music; the gift that they’ll never outgrow!

Marina Lindblom, 88 KEYS PIANO/Kindermusik, 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com, www.88keysga.com . Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The ever-popular Ms. Amy’s School of Music in Savannah now has a drum class for kids!

The first class is this Sat. Nov. 5 from 10-10:45 AM. For ages 1-4. Sounds like a lot of fun. Only five spaces available, so call or email Ms. Amy quickly to reserve your child’s spot. Email msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com or 912.659.0993.

Ms. Amy also offers other types of music lessons: private and group music lessons for piano, woodwinds, brass, voice, music discovery, and beginner guitar.  Music Makers and Toddler Tunes are classes that she offers to students from 18 mos. – 5 years.

Connect with Ms. Amy’s School of Music on Facebook here. For more info, visit www.msamyschoolofmusic.com, email msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com , 912.659.0993, 1 ½ blocks from Daffin Park at 2421 Waters Ave. Ms. Amy’s School of Music is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

UPDATE: Winner is Julie Scott!! This week win four tickets to TERRANCE SIMIEN & THE ZYDECO EXPERIENCE family Zydeco concert at 3 PM
Saturday, October 22 at American Legion Post 135 in Savannah! Watch a snippet of a family zydeco concert here. The foot-stomping zydeco band will have families dancing and will teach children more about the Creole music of southwest Louisiana and the Texas gulf coast.

This kid-friendly afternoon dance & concert is part of the SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL (SMF) new programming that includes a year-round concert series – SMF LIVE – featuring some of the music world’s most acclaimed performers, increased distribution of its concert recordings to public and satellite radio, and music education programs that span the entire year. The complete program for the 2012 Savannah Music Festival, which takes place March 22 through April 7, will be announced in early November.

To win tickets, visit the Savannah Music Festival’s new Facebook page here; “like” the page; then answer this question on their Facebook wall: “What is your child’s favorite instrument?” Or, for those kiddies too young to have one, “What instrument do you want your child to play when they’re old enough?” Pls say SouthernMamas.com sent you! Deadline to enter to win is noon Sun. Oct. 9. We’ll announce the winner here and on SouthernMamas.com Facebook!

Not into Facebook? Enter to win by answering the question by commenting below this post. Click on comments.

Learn more about this upcoming family zydeco arts-in-education ‘informance’ (informational performance) here.

Can’t wait for the giveaway? Order tickets here. Kids’ tickets for the show have to be purchased over the phone 912.525.5050 and picked up at will call OR in person at the box office (216 East Broughton St).

We’ve been searching for a good Days of the Week song to help my kids nail them. A big thank you to Ms. Amy of Ms Amy’s School of Music in Savannah for introducing us to The Obies (No, not the NYC theater awards): a one-man band of sorts who performs lots of educational songs (including a catchy Days of the Week song) that are certain to help kids learn.

Check out The Obies’ kid-friendly, school-appropriate music videos with subtitled lyrics on YouTube’s The Singing Schoolhouse by clicking here.  The songs help kids learn all the basics and then some. Songs include:
Days of the Week song
The Pledge of Allegiance Song
The Star-Spangled Banner
Music Lessons-Rhythm & Notes
Landforms Educational Songs by The Obies
Letters, words and sentences
Multiplication Song by 4’s
The Statue of Liberty Song

Much more here.

We can’t say enough about the parent-and-me classes Ms. Amy’s School of Music. We just started our second session and love it! Classes are offered Wednesday & Saturday mornings. You can start your session any time, even this upcoming Saturday or next Wed. Oct. 5. Details here.

Connect with Ms. Amy’s School of Music on Facebook here. For more info, visit www.msamyschoolofmusic.com, email msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com , 912.659.0993, 1 ½ blocks from Daffin Park at 2421 Waters Ave. Ms. Amy’s School of Music is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

We love that The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) is now offering a year-round concert series – SMF LIVE – that includes a family zydeco concert Oct. 22 & music education programs for school children such as the Roger Day Marsh Madness Concert Sept. 26.

Of course, the main 2012 Savannah Music Festival will take place March 22 through April 7. But this new SMF LIVE Concert Series runs from September through April.

The new series includes the following performances:

Roger Day’s Marsh Madness, 11 AM Sept. 26 at the Trustees Theater (216 E. Broughton Street). Details here.
Nashville-based musician Roger Day (Parent’s choice award winner) will perform his latest show, Marsh Madness, co-commissioned by the Georgia Sea Grant and the Savannah Music Festival. Songs such as Fiddler Groove, Jesse the Turtle Girl, Alligator in My Refrigerator and Mosquito Burrito will be featured in this 50-minute educational performance. Details here.
TERRANCE SIMIEN & THE ZYDECO EXPERIENCE Saturday, October 22 at American Legion Post 135 Family Zydeco at 3 pm, $20 ($5 for kids under 12), Zydeco Dance Party at 8 pm. Details here.

SMF Year-Round Educational Programming includes:

· Swing Central Jazz- which has been called the Pro Bowl of high school jazz band competitions – continues to bring twelve of the nation’s most talented high school big bands to Savannah for a three-day workshop and competition led by pianist/composer/educator Marcus Roberts. SMF is also enhancing its web-based learning center at www.swingcentraljazz.org , offering free video lessons to aspiring jazz musicians.

· Acoustic Music Seminar- a new program that brings together mandolinist/composer/educator Mike Marshall and an exceptional team of professional American instrumentalists including Tony Trischka, Chris Thile, Julian Lage, Bruce Molsky and Edgar Meyer. Over the course of a week, this team of teachers will provide free instruction for 15-20 of the best acoustic musicians in the country.

· Residencies include Roger Day, Terrance Simien & Zydeco Experience and Billy Jonas, each of whom SMF will bring into a total of 30 schools, Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs in five surrounding counties in coastal Georgia and South Carolina. In all, SMF music education programming will reach more than 20,000 students in the 2011/2012 season. (My son can’t wait to see Roger Day’s Marsh Madness concert next week on a school field trip!)

TICKETS FOR SMF LIVE CONCERT SERIES: Tickets are available online at www.savannahmusicfestival.org , in-person at 216 E. Broughton St. or by phone at 912-525-5050.

This week, SouthernMamas.com is giving away a just-released book & CD that we love: “Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important,” Trout Fishing in America’s sequel to the award-winning My Name is Chicken Joe.

The story is brought to life with 11 original songs that will have your kids singing out loud every time you play it. Listen to some here.

To enter to win: “like” both Trout Fishing in America and The Secret Mountain on Facebook by clicking here and here.

Watch this cute, quick video here . Email your answer one of these questions to anne@southernmamas.com :

Whose mother had a pet named Chicken Joe? Or which of the artists had a cat named Chicken Joe?

Not into Facebook? Enter to win by commenting below this post.

Deadline to enter is noon Sun. Sept. 18. We’ll announce the winner here and on SouthernMamas.com Facebook.

Chicken Joe is a cat who sleeps in the hen house and is woken up by rollicking rock-and-roll playing roosters. He forgets it‘s his birthday until meeting with friends.a dog named Miss Kitty, a parakeet named King Kong. The new story is written by Trout Fishing in America’s Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet, a nationally touring acoustic/folk rock duo whose music has garnered four Grammy nominations and legions of devoted fans.

The book/CD, released Sept. 6, is from the Secret Mountain, the Montreal based purveyor of beautifully produced children’s media. More info here.

Parents want kids’ books & CDs to be smart.
Kids want them to be fun.
You get both with the just-released book & CD “Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important,” Trout Fishing in America’s sequel to the award-winning My Name is Chicken Joe.

The story is brought to life with 11 original songs that will have your kids singing out loud every time you play it. Listen to some here.
My kids’ favorite is C-A-T in the H-E-N House in which they get to spell fun words including I L-O-V-E Y-O-U. Yours will also love the characters’ names: a dog named Miss Kitty, a parakeet named King Kong, a cat named Chicken Joe.
Chicken Joe is a cat who sleeps in the hen house and is woken up by rollicking rock-and-roll playing roosters. He forgets it‘s his birthday until meeting with friends.
The new story is written by Trout Fishing in America’s Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet, a nationally touring acoustic/folk rock duo whose music has garnered four Grammy nominations and legions of devoted fans.

The book/CD, released Sept. 6, is from the Secret Mountain, the Montreal based purveyor of beautifully produced children’s media. More info here.

Disclaimer: SouthernMamas.com receives free copies of products for review. Even though we receive these benefits, the opinions given are 100 percent ours.