Kindergarten Surprise!

I can't believe it is the end of the year already! It's insane how quickly a year can go and how much a child can grow in that short period of time. As a "Have fun this summer, and keep playing music!" gift, every year, Kindergarten gets to make their very own musical instruments. They make maracas! Using plastic easter eggs donated by various amazing people, spoons, beans, and tape, these kiddos get to make their very own musical instrument to take home and play as much as they want. Yes parents, I told them to annoy you as much as possible this summer with their beautiful maraca playing! Thank you for always supporting me and this music program by encouraging your children to sing, dance, and play all day at home!

Music Recitals

Some students have had the opportunity to take instrument lessons with me throughout the year. Their lessons have culminated into a Spring Recital. The recital consisted of music from many young musicians playing piano, ukulele, and violin. I am so proud of their performance and look forward to their growth in the coming years. If you are in want of having your child in lessons for a musical instrument, email me @ mary.manning@banks.k12.ga.us and I will be more than happy to discuss this option with you!

Second Grade Program: DONE!

The Second Graders performed their last performance at the Primary School today. It was a bittersweet moment for me, as they were my first group of awesome kiddos that I had the privilege to teach all 3 years of their primary school life. While they were performing for their classmates at school, some of their awesome teachers jumped in and danced our longways set, "Turkey in the Straw," right along with them. It just went to show that you don't have to be a musician, a music teacher, a performer, to participate in and enjoy music. You just have to be a human who enjoys connection and good music. Thank you to Mrs. Nicholson and Mrs. Ott (and Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Giles who I wasn't able to snag a picture of) for giving such a great example of life-long enjoyment of music. I teach a 30 year plan- in 30 years, I want these kids to enjoy singing lullabies to their children or be able to sing Happy Birthday in tune with a group, enjoy dancing at weddings or birthday parties with friends, and appreciate the heart and community music creates. These lovely ladies were someone's 30-year plan gone right, and a wonderful example for these kids. So long second graders; I will miss you next year, but you will grow up to do great things! Remember, no matter what anyone tells you, you CAN sing!