Week of: Thursday, October 15, 2009 |
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by Elizabeth Guiten
Solis, whose background includes classical, pop, straight ahead jazz, swing, country and Broadway has performed throughout the U.S. and Europe. She decided to introduce music activity classes to the community after participating in classes of a similar nature in North County with her 18-month-old daughter Gabriella. “We were driving to the classes way up there and I remember thinking how nice it would be if there were something like this in Coronado where we live,” she said. After studying under Lynn Kleiner, renowned early childhood music educator at Los Angeles' Music Rhapsody, Solis set about bringing Shake Rattle and Roly Poly to life. Now in their third week, Solis said there are still spots available for the current eight-week session, aimed at children ages 6 months to 3 years, at a prorated price. “Even though we're still in the beginning stages I feel very welcome by the community have received lots of positive feedback.” said Solis. Free play, folk dancing, instrumentation and farm animal puppets are all part of the 45-minute session. Every song Solis sings or plays is done with purpose and interactive fun in mind. Songs like “Tell Me Something Special” encourage parents and caregivers to share the growth and changes of their young one. Puppets play a large part as well, introducing children to different animals in an educational and non-threatening way. Currently in the Country Harvest Jamboree, “you will meet Gunkie the grey squirrel and sing about his swishy tail and Rodney the rooster and learn how he says ‘top of the mornin' through his cock-a-doodle-doo,” Solis writes on her Web site. “I try introduce different themes every six to eight weeks.” Rhythm is taught at the gathering drum as children are introduced to the idea of timing and a steady beat. “Babies and toddlers respond to music in a very instinctive way,” Solis said. “All of their senses come alive as they naturally shake, bang and move to the beat of the music.” Parental and caregiver involvement is essential to the program said Solis in the facilitation of a musical experience. “I like to encourage participation from parents and caregivers as much as possible. I've heard moms say, ‘well mommy's voice isn't as good as Ms. Lisa's' but it isn't about that at all. Studies have shown that babies can recognize and respond to sounds, including their mother's voice as early as 16 weeks, so they already know what you sound like,” she said. A member of the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association, Solis continues to educate herself about the latest musical and educational tools. “I use a lot of what I learned from Lynn, but I also write my own songs for the sessions. Gabby and I go to the library and always check out lots of different CDs. I'm constantly listening to music, picking up new rhythms and sounds to incorporate. She's my test audience so if there's something that grabs her attention and perks her up, I have a pretty good idea that it will work in class as well, ” she said. Solis said her goal is to create a community for parents and caregivers “where they can not only spend time with their children, involved in musically fun and educational activities but where they can learn from each other as well. I try to bring in at least one different parental education article in each week and something, whether it's a product, storybook or whatever, that's worked for me at home.” For the future Solis said she has a summer plan to expand the program to include preschool and early elementary-age children and is in the process of securing a permit for a Saturday morning class in Tidelands Park. Classes are held once a week at the Coronado Yoga and Wellness Center, 128 B Avenue. For more information and to register call 861-7313 or visit www.shakerattleandrolypoly.com.
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