First practice was a hit!
Thank you to all of the families that came out to practice! Next Practice July 28th at 3:30!
Having Fun! Making Noise!
The Kids Marching Band had it’s first practice and it was a hit! We all introduced ourselves, talked about our instruments and costumes and practiced the marching song. Then Jake and Leland, with their rhythm sticks and recorder, led us to Jamison Square where we showed off all of our fun to the other kids! It was great and we can’t wait to do it again! The innocent onlookers laughed and clapped. We looked ridiculous! If you didn’t make it to the first practice, that’s ok. Here’s what we learned.
Come Prepared
Be at practice on time, with an instrument and in costume. The band is more lively when everyone is all dressed up and ready to march! Review the marching song so that you can sing along.
Walk the walk
While marching, walk slowly, smile, wave, dance and play instruments.
Play Along
The parents enthusiasm for the march is very important. Parents should encourage the children to participate! Get into it, clap, smile, repeat.
Learn the rules
Remind your child(ren) that when I raise my hand, that that is a signal to stop, be quiet, and to look at me. This rule is very important when we start dealing with more than 8 or so kids. There is also a call and response that I can use for getting everyone’s attention, when the children can’t/aren’t look(ing) at me. I say, “One two three all eyes on me” and they answer, “one two all eyes on you” As they look at me and wait for instruction.
Learn the songs
I have changed the lyrics up to the Ants Marching to fit our situation.
The kids go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah
The kids go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah
The kids go marching one by one,
The little one stops to suck his thumb
And they all go marching down to the street
To the sound of the beat, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The kids go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah
The kids go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah
The kids go marching two by two,
The little one stops to tie his shoe
And they all go marching down to the street
To the sound of the beat, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The kids go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah
The kids go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah
The kids go marching three by three,
The little one stops to climb a tree
And they all go marching down to the street
To the sound of the beat, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Check the schedule
On first Thursdays, starting August 7, 2008, until further notice, we will meet at Jamison Square at 4:00 for final costume adjustments, and review of the rules. We march at 5:00 to kick off the street fair!
We practice every last Monday from 3:30-4:30 at Jamison Square, on the sand. Second practice is Monday July 28.
To think over
We are accepting instrument and costume donations. We would like to offer any child an instrument and the opportunity to march with us.
I noticed that there were strollers in our marching band, it broke us up and made it more difficult to keep the kids excited and together. We need to come up with some way to include this age group without breaking up the older kids who have instruments and costumes.
Also, I will be leading the march on first Thursdays, to ensure the pace, so I need some helpers to keep the kids together and going at the right pace.
Ok. Email me at thekidsmarcingband@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
For more cool things to do in Portland http://www.neighborhoodnotes.com/
