More Info
|
08/03/06
Symphony Flutist in Kindermusik Event At Aquarium
August 3, 2006 - A Kindermusik event will be presented by the Pacific School of Performing Arts at the Honolulu Aquarium, this Saturday, August 5, at 9:15 a.m. The theme of the summer semester was "Creatures at the Ocean." Activities include music, crafts, a visit to the aquarium and a potluck lunch. The event is for those who have been attending the class and is not open to the public.
Claire Starz, who joined the Honolulu Symphony two years ago as Second Flute, is one of ten licensed instructors at the school. She became a member of the staff earlier this year.
"I believe it is important to develop musical skills and a love of classical music in children starting as early as possible," says Starz. "We are raising the future concertgoers and musicians of tomorrow. Many of my symphony colleagues are also passionate about teaching. It is very fulfilling to use one's musical talents both on stage and in the classroom."
Kindermusik is an international system of music and movement classes for children ranging in age from birth to seven and focus on developing the whole child in the areas of musical, physical, emotional, cognitive, language, and social skills. Parents attend the classes. Kindermusik prides itself on developing musical children rather than child musicians so everyone develops a love and appreciation for music. The primary emphasis is "process, not performance," allowing natural performances to emerge without pressure.
Classes consist of short activities such as playing simple instruments, imaginative/interpretive play, singing, and listening to recorded music. A stimulating, fun environment is provided by using props such as scarves, parachutes, and storybooks.
Kindermusik classes for the fall semester are scheduled for Sept. 7 - Dec. 16 and are held at the Unitarian Church and St. Andrews Priory. Other instructors include Karen Valasek, Honolulu Symphony Chorus member; Helen Chao-Casano, Punahou School piano teacher and director of Kindermusik at Pacific School for Performing Arts; Caren Vittetoe, Punahou kindergarten music teacher and clarinetist, and many others.
In the fall Starz will also be teaching Kindermusik for the Young Child. This focuses on elementary music theory, playing glockenspiel, recorder and other instruments. She will also be teaching Kindermusik Music Box at two local preschools.
Starz became licensed last year through an online training course, mentors in Hawaii and New York, and many classroom observations and segment teaching. Having always loved children, she caught the bug for early childhood music education with volunteer work in 2003 while playing with the National Repertory Orchestra. She also observed many of Rachel Buchman's classes as a graduate student at Rice University in Houston.
Parents can register their students for Kindermusik classes by calling 394-6547 or visiting the school's website: http://www.pacarts.org.
|
