Thanks to the generosity of its founder, Chuck Brennan (himself a graduate of the Boys & Girls Clubs here) kids in Sioux Falls will have the opportunity to learn music. They will get one on one lessons and then form a band. It's more than just learning an instrument. Music has so many more benefits than just playing.
From She Knows (http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/814331/10-reasons-why-your-child-should-play-a-musical-instrument-1):
1. IT WILL BOOST THEIR BRAIN POWER
Want to give your child a mental advantage? Music can do that. "More and more studies show a correlation between higher academic achievement with children who are exposed to music," says children's music specialist Meredith LeVande of MonkeyMonkeyMusic.com. "Music simply stimulates parts of the brain that are related to reading, math, and emotional development."
2. IT WILL IMPROVE THEIR MEMORY
Where did that shoe go? That's a question asked far too many times in far too many households with kids. Help your kids remember more (and learn more!) with music. "Further research has shown that participation in music at an early age can help improve a child's learning ability and memory by stimulating different patterns of brain development," says Maestro Eduardo Marturet, a conductor, composer and musical director for the Miami Symphony Orchestra.
3. IT HELPS THEM SOCIALLY
Picking up an instrument can also help your child break out of their social shell too, experts say. "Socially, children who become involved in a musical group or ensemble learn important life skills, such as how to relate to others, how to work as a team and appreciate the rewards that come from working together, and the development of leadership skills and discipline," says Marturet, who also oversees the MISO Young Artist program in South Florida, which allows young musicians to hone their musical skills as part of a professional orchestra.
4. IT'S A CONFIDENCE BUILDER
Are there any areas of life that aren't enhanced by having good confidence? Probably not. And if you want your child to develop their confidence, learning to play a musical instrument can help.
"They find that they can develop a skill by themselves, that they can get better and better," says Elizabeth Dotson-Westphalen, a music teacher and performer.
5. IT TEACHES PATIENCE
We live in a world of instant gratification, but real life demands having patience. When you are playing in a band or orchestra (and most musicians do), you have to be willing to wait your turn to play otherwise the sound is a mess. That inadvertently teaches patience. "You need to work together in a group to make music," says Dotson-Westphalen.
In order to make the dream a reality, it takes a lot of fundraising. I was very fortunate to be part of it. The Princess and I went to the last night of concerts for the Academy's grand opening and they saved the best for last. We knew that Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe and Stephan Pearcy from RATT were going to be performing. What we didn't know was Kiss' Gene Simmons (the Big Man's favorite band ever) was the guest of honor. They performed with a local tribute band, Hairball, who brought me back in time. They did everyone from Van Halen, Twisted Sister, Poison, Guns & Roses, AC/DC and even Prince. I've seen all the original acts in concert and they nailed them spot on.
Unlike back in the day, I was up close and personal right by the stage. I even got to shake not only Vince Neil but Gene Simmons' hands.
It was a great night out for a great cause.
1 comment:
Sounds wonderful! Sharing music is such a great way to bring people together. I am sure many will love this program!
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