| Author | |
Becky Parker
Forum All-Star
Joined: May 23 2005
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2582
|
| Posted: June 28 2005 at 4:49pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Has anybody used this book from Emmanuel? A friend showed it to me and I thought it looked great so I ordered it. I haven't received it yet and I've been thinking about how I am going to use it in our homeschool. My 4 and 6 yo dc love to sing and my dd likes to play the piano. I want to nurture the musical side of my children because musical talent is in my family, and though I was left out I'm hoping some of my children are blessed with it.
Becky
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
amiefriedl
Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 15 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 323
|
| Posted: June 29 2005 at 11:44am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Becky,
My sister-in-laws wrote OMY and I did the some of the editing (as a favor, I'm a completely dis-interested party in the business from a finanacial point of view). I'd be happy to answer your questions either here on the message board (someone else might have the same question) or through private email.
I have a Bachelor's degree from a conservatory in performance and use OMY with my kids, so most questions I can probably help you with.
__________________
In Christ the King through Mary our Mother,
Amie
Blessed with an awesome hubby and Mom of ds10, dd7, dd3 and dd 10months.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Becky Parker
Forum All-Star
Joined: May 23 2005
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2582
|
| Posted: June 30 2005 at 6:42am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks Amie!
I'm really just trying to get an idea of some ways to incorporate more music into our day. I thought about teaching the kids songs and having "music practice" in the morning as part of our "Morning Meeting". As I said, my 4 and 6 yo's love to sing and listen to music. I'm not sure my 11 yo will be too excited about it, but if he were in school he would have music practice as part of the curriculum and I think he should have that same opportunity. I can play a little piano but I can't sing at all - I'm glad this book comes with a CD! Are there any other ways to use this resource? I can't wait until my order comes in and I can actually get my hands on it.
Becky
'
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
amiefriedl
Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 15 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 323
|
| Posted: June 30 2005 at 7:24am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Becky,
Morning are the BEST way to start out. VERY good choice imo! After your regular morning routine (whatever it is; getting dressed, b-fast, prayers) pop in the CD and start your day off with a Marian hymn or a fun song. But sure and get their whole bodies involved, very important. Let them march, tap, clap, sway, whatever gets them to incorporate the music into their little beings.
And keep it very short, 5 to 15 min depending on your kids. Leave them wanting more. They will be 'practicing' all day in their heads anyway once they learn a song fairly well, so your job is just to get it in there. Before all that though, you need to learn the song you have in mind for your kids.
When your materials get to you, put your CD into a player and play the music in the 'background' of your day, quietly for a week or so. This is good for you and your kids. The melodies will begin to plant themselves into your heads without actually applying any effort. *Then, YOU need to go and learn the words to the first couple of songs you want to share with them, and even figure out what body movements you'd like to use for each song.* Some songs (esp the patriotic songs and the fun songs) lend themselves to lots of movement. Others, the religious songs are more challenging for that. But the religious melodies flow so very well are are beautiful so the kids seem to absorb them just as much. The key here though is that you prepare a little in advance so your 5-10 min practice session can flow for the children. A little, not tons, of preparation on your part will go a very long way.
Teaching music, singing together in particular, can be very challenging and intimidating for most people. Singing is a path straight into the soul and most people find it very difficult to open up paths to their soul so readily. AND it is not part of our culture any longer. Like in so many areas, we have become more distant to one another and singing together reverses that trend. Don't worry if the whole process feels very awkward. I have a degree in instrumental performance (not education or singing, I can't sing either so to speak) and I feel very awkward teaching my children music. I'm bewildered often on what to do and where to go. But it is in the DOING that we progress. Be not afraid! Right?!
Don't worry about your 11 yo. My one sil who co-wrote this program has 6 kids from 15 down to 1 and her olders were very skeptical at first. Just move on with the younger ones and the music will capture the skeptics.
You'll be so glad you are putting music into your day and into your souls. Do your best, don't worry about perfection and enjoy this wonderful bonding process with your children.
Feel free to contact me further. I'm on the same learning curve.
__________________
In Christ the King through Mary our Mother,
Amie
Blessed with an awesome hubby and Mom of ds10, dd7, dd3 and dd 10months.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Becky Parker
Forum All-Star
Joined: May 23 2005
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2582
|
| Posted: July 12 2005 at 12:09pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks Amie!
That was very helpful! We just returned from a week in Florida and my package was here waiting for me. I have been reading / looking through Our Musical Year and know I'm really going to like it. I especially like the way saints and holy days are incorporated. I will certainly use your suggestions above. One more question...Do you know anything about Volume 2? Is it more of the same format?
Becky
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
amiefriedl
Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 15 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 323
|
| Posted: July 12 2005 at 5:34pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Becky,
I actually like Vol. 2 even better. Same format with a few convienient enhancements. The "click track" being my favorite; you know when the song is about to start with a click track.
Of course Vol. 2 probably appeals to me more because the songs are in general more 'grown-up'. Your older child will feel more comfortable in Vol. 2. But, for now, work your way through Vol. 1. Enjoy it. Don't get in a rush.
I better sign off before I sound too much like a commercial. I already do. 
__________________
In Christ the King through Mary our Mother,
Amie
Blessed with an awesome hubby and Mom of ds10, dd7, dd3 and dd 10months.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Becky Parker
Forum All-Star
Joined: May 23 2005
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2582
|
| Posted: July 13 2005 at 5:11am | IP Logged
|
|
|
 Thanks again Amie!
Becky
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
4Real Forums : The Arts in the Everyday
Topic: Our Musical Year
