SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Please join us for a Song Swap & Kids Concertat the Wissahickon Valley Public Library in Blue Bell, PA, our first ever back in the Philly area after several down isn DC. The date is November 2nd and we’re still finalizing the timing and details, but if you’d like to be included on the performers roster, please contact David C. Perry at DCPerry@aol.com or 610-457-1239.
In the meantime, we hope to "see you in September” at the Annual Conference in Scottsdale. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Your Mid-Atlantic Co-Coordinators,
David C. Perry
DCPerry@aol.com
610-457-1239
Marsha Goodman-Wood
goodman.wood@gmail.com
On June 22, 2019, the Mid-Atlantic Region CMNrs shared songs, exchanged ideas, and enjoyed each other's company at their second annual Song Swap, Luncheon, and Kids Concert at the Army Navy Country Club thanks to member Jim Thorne. Richard McLaughlin, Praneetha Akula, Elnathan Starnes, David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans, Jim Thorne, Val Smalkin, Marsha Goodman-Wood, and Margot Bevington, enjoyed a delicious lunch (again thanks to Jim Thorne!) and at 2:00 PM joined forces to entertain parents and children at the club.
Special thanks go to Marsha Goodman-Wood for providing the sound system, and Jim Thorne for arranging the venue. We look forward to more Mid-Atlantic Children's Music Network events and hope you will join us.
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Alphabet Rockers, Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd, led workshops focused on identifying and interrupting patterns of bias for CMNer's in Boston , Participants thought about and shared the first time they noticed race. and how those early interactions impacted them, especially when they were negative ones. For a number of participants, memories started in first grade (age 6 or 7), and acknowledged that similarly, the children in most CMN audiences are absorbing racial bias and patterns in their forming memories. The question: How can we interrupt the patterns of bias in ourselves to be sure we aren't impressing micro aggression onto our audiences?
Through song, movement and discussion, Tommy and Kaitlin helped us more fully understand the impact of our word choices regarding gender, and how those impact kids, For example, instead of using "guys" or "boys and girls" or "he" we can use "friends" or "everybody" to keep genders inclusive and ambiguous, rather than assigning gender. More questions: Can we reflect on our word choices and make changes to be more inclusive? How can we prepare ourselves to react constructively when a child comments on skin color or gender and put forth positive messages?
And there were more questions asked and many more yet to be asked. Thanks to Marsha Goodman-Wood for bringing the Alphabet Rockers to the Mid-Atlantic.
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The 2nd Annual CMN “Sing a Rainbow” Workshop, Song Swap & Concert
On Saturday, March 9 2019, we returned to the Free Library of Springfield Township (in Wyndmoor, PA) for another day of socializing and singing. Like last year, this event was a resounding success on every level.
Things got started with wonderful workshop, "The Three Magical C’s: Connection, Caring & Consistency", presented by Tammy Keorkunian, Founder/Director of Children's Music Express (www.childrensmusicexpress.com). Through discussion and fun practices, we gained new perspectives and tools to enliven our teaching/performing experiences, grow our classes/audiences and have more of an impact on our children’s lives.
After an hour of lunch and socializing, we got to share our music in an informal song swap. It was a great chance to play (and play along on) some of our favorite original songs and cover tunes – beautifully demonstrating how we CMNers are often each other’s best resource.
Then we set up and performed our public concert for an enthusiastic, appreciative intergenerational audience. This year's lineup was Allison DeSalvo Adams, Dave Fry, Andrea Green, Tammy Keorkunian, Annie Lynn, Richard McLaughlin, Michelle Miller, Peter Moses, David C. Perry and Steve Pullara.
Thanks to everyone involved for helping to make this one of my new favorite annual traditions!
STAY TUNE FOR DETAILS ABOUT OUR NEXT GREAT EVENT "Here Comes Summer!" event at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA. That date is Sat. June 22, 2019, likely the same hours as last year, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
CMN Mid-Atlantic Co-Coordinator
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And meanwhile last summer.....
CMN Pool Party, Song Swap & Potluck 2018
On August 26, 2018 before summer slipped away, The Children's Music Network held a Mid-Atlantic regional event as an opportunity for musicians and their families to gather for a hearty last hurrah at fhe lovely home of Janet Schreiner (leader of The Cat's Pajamas) in Wynnewood, PA, just northwest of Philadelphia. We swam, socialized, swapped songs and shared a meal in an informal atmosphere of merry-making and mutual support.
The day featured some fabulously fun musical jams, with the variety of voices and instruments delightfully combining to create concoctions greater than the sum of their parts. The relaxing poolside vibe was a refreshing change from our most recent CMN events (in March and June) which included public concert performances.
Huge heartfelt thanks to Janet and her hubby Mark for once again hosting us at what has become one of our all-time favorite venues for CMN events.
For more pictures, check out this Facebook Photo Album:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10212577191720746&type=1&l=a6016dc36b
David C. Perry
Co-Coordinator, CMN Mid-Atlantic Region
And a report from our June 'HERE COMES SUMMER" Event held June 23
On Saturday, June 23rd, CMN members from various corners of The Children's Music Network Mid-Atlantic region descended on the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA, for a “Here Comes Summer!” Song Swap & Kids Concert. This was our first DC-area gathering in a while, and folks in the southern extremities of our region appreciated having a get-together that was more geographically desirable than recent Pennsylvania and New Jersey events. CMNer Jim Thorne, a longtime Club member, deserves a boatload of thanks for his tireless efforts in arranging for us to use this fabulous venue. Heartfelt thanks, also, to Marsha Goodman-Wood, for being the main organizer and point person for her first Mid-Altantic event in her new role as Co-Coordinator. We all gathered at 10:30 am in the Sports Camp Room of the ANCC Fitness Center for a wonderful informal Song Swap, which was a great opportunity to learn new songs, old songs, and share some of our favorite songs. We covered a wide array of topics, including a healthy helping of outer space themes, plus environmental issues and attitudes of gratitude. One of the highlights was a fabulous library song that had been written the day before (!) by “Mr. Don” Bridges, who was attending his first ever CMN event.
At 12:30 pm, we trekked over to the magnificent main clubhouse for delicious outdoor patio lunch, where we got to eat, drink and network. Generous Jim even subsidized the meal of any musician who gave him a CD of their music. It was during this time that we sorted out the performance slots for the afternoon concert.
At 2:00 pm, it was showtime! We set up in the bright and beautiful “Rainbow City” room and launched into our Kids Concert, when we took pleasure in pooling our talents to entertain a lively audience of club children and their parents. It was a real blast singing harmonies and playing along with each other on guitar, mandolin, conga, maracas and harmonica. What a wonderful "harmonic convergence”!
When things finally wrapped at 3:30, Sheila Chandler, the ANCC Junior Activities Manager, told us how thrilled she was at how much everyone enjoyed our show – and said she’d love to have us back again next year!
I can't think of now better way to welcome summer. All-in-all, a wonderful win-win-win situation.
David
Co-Coordinator, CMN Mid-Atlantic Region
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PAST EVENTS
CMN “Sing a Rainbow” Workshop, Song Swap & Kids Concert
On March 17, 2018, we enjoyed a full day of musical fun at the newly opened Free Library of Springfield Township in Wyndmoor, just outside of Philadelphia. Calling this event "Sing a Rainbow" was a nod to St. Paddy’s Day, diversity, and Philly children's TV legend, Captain Noah.
CMN member Peter Moses, of The Mindful Experience LLC, kicked things off with an inspiring workshop presentation entitled "The Magic of Mindfulness in Education: Supporting the benefits of present moment awareness for our kids and ourselves." Peter passed along some easy-to-learn, mindful practices and games and answered questions regarding mindfulness in education, in the workplace and in family life.
After an hour of lunch and networking, we shared our music with each other in an informal Song Swap that included a wonderfully wide selection of material that all managed to inspire, comfort or delight us in the midst of these trying times.
Following another brief interlude, we pooled our talents to stage a Kids Concert that was open to the general public. The performers were Dave Fry, Richard McLaughlin, Michelle Miller, Jean Milman, Peter Moses, David C. Perry, Steve Pullara, Janet Schreiner, Rodney Whittenberg, and Arlyn Wolters. Unable to attend, due to illness in their families, were Andrea Green and Tammy Keorkunian (of Children's Music Express).
The library was thrilled with the tremendous audience turnout, which appeared to be the best ever for a CMN Mid-Atlantic public concert. Truly, a good time was had by all!
You can see a Facebook Photo Album of the event here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10212015508439015.1073741865.1112634477&type=1&l=64afb59a96
Contact:
CMN Mid-Atlantic Co-Coordinator
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CMN Jersey Jam: Song Swap & Community Concert
On August 5, 2017, members from the Mid-Atlantic and New York Metro regions of The Children's Music Networkgathered for an afternoon of music making at the Old Franklin Schoolhouse in Metuchen, New Jersey. We socialized and swapped songs in an informal Song Circle from 2:00 to 3:30 pm and then opened the doors to the public at 4:00 pm for a Community Concert. It was a great chance to play and sing with each other, while giving the locals a taste of CMN's musical magic.
You can see a Facebook Photo Album of the event here:
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CMN Tribute Luncheon for Cathy & Marcy
On April 9, 2017, The Children's Music Network (CMN) Mid-Atlantic Region held a Tribute Luncheon at El Golfo Restaurant in Silver Spring, MD, honoring the musical duo Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer. In a warm, informal setting, these children’s and family music trailblazers generously shared stories and advice gleaned from their 25 years of live performances and 20 award winning recordings. We were all thrilled to have an opportunity to personally express our admiration and gratitude for all they’ve done. It was, of course, also wonderful to hear them sing for us ("It’s Better When We Sing It Together”) and a pleasure to sing to them.
Cathy and Marcy play dozens of instruments, from banjo to mandolin to rockin’ electric guitar, steel drum and ukulele. They have won 2 GRAMMY® Awards (and had 14 nominations), Parents’ Choice Awards, American Library Association Awards, National Association of Parenting Publications Awards, Early Childhood News Awards and Washington Area Music Association Awards, Find out more at www.CathyMarcy.com
Cathy and Marcy were very appreciative of this recognition and for all the work CMN is doing in the children’s music industry. So much so that they volunteered to host a Song Swap with CMN members and other children artists later this year, whereby each artist should write and perform one new song for the group for immediate feedback and critique.
You can see a Facebook Photo Album of the event here:
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Concert Across America to End Gun Violence
On Sunday, September 25, 2016, the Children's Music Network Mid-Atlantic Region was proud to do our part for The Concert Across America to End Gun Violence. We had an array performers literally lending our voices to the cause, singing about cooperation, unity and getting along.
Watch video highlights of this event here:
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Pool Party, Song Swap & Potluck
On Saturday, July 30th, 2016 CMN Mid-Atlantic members and their families gathered at the lovely home Janet Sclaroff in Cherry Hill, NJ, for a Pool Party / Song Swap / Potluck Dinner. The weather gods smiled upon us and provided plenty of time for swimming, splashing, diving and water frisbee before rain clouds moved in late afternoon.
Then it was time to eat, drink and and be merry, chowing down on scrumptious burgers and chicken plus an array of salads and other miscellaneous munchies. The day was rounded out with a song circle featuring a wide variety of wonderful songs, original and old favorites, from silly to sublime, that had everyone singing and playing along.
Special thanks to Janet for being the perennial hostess-with-the mostest – and a big wet hug to Marsha Goodman-Wood for journeying all the way from Washington, DC, with her hubby and three kids to be part of the fun.
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CMN "Here Comes Summer!" Kids Art & Music Festival (+ Pool Party)
On Saturday, June 20, 2015, a dozen or so members of The Children's Music Network Mid-Atlantic Region provided more than four hours of music for the “Here Comes Summer!” Kids Art & Music Festival at The Garden State Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill, NJ. In celebration of the first weekend of summer – and the museum’s 21st birthday – we performed two sets on an outdoor stage and then moved into their indoor theater for the final set of the day. The museum was thrilled to have us as part of the festivities and expressed their gratitude with a nice financial contribution to CMN.
Afterwards, joined by other CMNers who weren’t at the Festival, we gathered at the nearby home of Janet Sclaroff for a Pool Party / Potluck / Sing-Along. As you can imagine, a warm and wonderful time was had by all. What a glorious way to kick off the summer!
For additinal pictures check out Facebook album of Mid-AtlanticPool Party /Gathering at the home of Janet Sclaroff
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CMN "Spring Ahead" Song Swap & Potluck
On March 13th 2016 – the day our clocks sprang ahead an hour – The Children's Music Network held a Mid-Atlantic Regional gathering at the home of Janet "Cat's Pajamas" Schreiner in suburban Philadelphia. The afternoon Song Swap featured both traditional and original material, performed in a variety of styles, and spanning a broad range of topics, from silly to serious to sublime. It was followed by a yummy potluck dinner and then more songs, plus a lively exchange of ideas and helpful hints on navigating the current state of kids music.
You can watch a comprehensive video of the event at https://youtu.be/PWHlXc7IyrI. Using the Performers List in the YouTube description, you can click on the time marker to zoom to each artist’s appearance – but I bet you’ll enjoy watching whole thing. The lineup: David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans, Richard McLaughlin, Steve Pullara, Janet Schreiner, Allison DeSalvo, Carlie Crabtree, Stasia Rinaldi, Devin Walker, Will Avery, Dave Fry, David C. Perry, Linda Lara & Sharon Stacy.
Janet also hosted a CMN Pool Party event a couple of summers ago. These local get-ogethers are a cherished chance for kids music kindred spirits to network and be nurtured in a relaxed atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement.
You can see a Facebook Photo Album of the event here:
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CMN Children's Concert for Peace
On April 11, 2015, an amazing array of performers from the Mid-Atlantic Region of The Children's Music Network joined forces at the Newtown Meeting House to perform a benefit concert for the Peace Center of Bucks County. Fantastic fun for a great cause!
Group singing closing song
Left: Pauline Houston McCall Right: Dave Fry
Peter Moses
Click on this link to see more photos of the event, including all the performers and a bunch of adorable singing, dancing kids.
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MORE FUN PHOTOS
