Introducing the Kids Matching Band!
Come one, Come all!
The Kids Marching Band will be made up of all children in Central Portland who want to make noise/music, wave flags, dance, (twirlers anyone?) and march a few blocks on First Thursdays. I think it’ll be a fun way introduce freestyle music, cooperation, celebration and dance. We want to encourage “childlike behavior.”
The children will attend full dress practice once a month on last Monday from 3:30-5:30, and they march on first Thursdays from 5:00-7:00. We will march merrily for two or three blocks on first Thursdays at 5:00 to kick off the street fair! Older children will be encouraged to pair with a younger child to guide and help to understand the haps.
The first meeting will be held July 21 at 3:30-5:30 at Isobels Clubhouse on NW 10th Ave between Hanna Andersson and Cupcake Jones and will be for introductions, question and answers with me, and costume and instrument making. Every child ought to come with an instrument and a costume idea; parents ought to come with costume making materials to help the children design and make their costumes. Every meeting from then on will be for practice and team building.
Here is a list of instrument ideas:
Recorder, drum (with strap for wearing), maracas, egg shaker (rice in plastic egg), tambourine, triangles, bells (on feet, hahahaha), harmonica, rhythm sticks. Remember, the instruments need to be portable! No whistles please, as I will be using one and want it to stand out.
We will also make arm bands for identifying ourselves. We’re currently investigating buying them in bulk. They’re easy, portable, replaceable, and decorate-able. I will wear a sash (woohoo) and a tall hat, cause I’m the conductor and time keeper! :] I think the children ought to wear whatever they want to, be it princess dresses and wings or little spider man costumes. The more playful and colorful the better. Oh, and name tags, that’s important. We can make those up and have them laminated at the Office Max.
I’m looking forward to all of your ideas and welcome any help you can offer! I expect this thing to really be fun and hope all of you can come play with us! Contact me, Camille at Thekidsmarchingband@yahoo.com with any questions!
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