I don't remember how old I was when I was first introduced to the brilliant musical, "GYPSY", by the great Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim. It must have been the movie version, because Natalie Wood and Rosalind Russell are still the first faces I see in my mind's eye as Louise and Mama Rose. My next fond memories surround a Summer Stock production where I got to play the role of Louise, and years later when my daughter, a 2020 Theater Performance Graduate of Wagner College, played the role of Tessie Tura at her beloved Summer Camp, USDAN. Next favorite memory seeing Patti Lapone and Laura Benanti on Broadway in the most recent revival. I highly recommend exploring as many versions of "Gypsy" as possible!
So why am I thinking about this song "Together, Wherever We Go", from one of the greatest musicals of all time, that is based on the real life story of a stripper?...And what does that have to do with Music Together®, an internationally beloved early childhood music and movement program?
Well... I was talking to a Music Together Mom earlier today about different ways to participate in class with an infant and a nursery/preschooler. I was blessed with one child, so I never experienced first hand as a parent the joys and demands of multiple children. As a center diretor and teacher, I have witnessed thousands of parents and caregivers do their best to address the needs and desires of their multiple children as they sang while smiling, laughing, dancing, playing, and laughing and crying at the same time. Children, for the most part unintentionally, manage to grab onto parts of your body, inhibit movement, while climbing on us without the understanding that us grown-ups have bones and limits in range of motion. YOU are theirs and only theirs. In my humble opinion, being that for a child is to be cherished time.
If you as a parent/caregiver have ever tried to go to the restroom, shower, or even stand up, you may now be starting to see the song: "Together, Wherever We Go" in a whole new light. I hope you are smiling with recognition!
So what is one to do during class, possibly pulled in many different directions? Well first keep singing whenever possible as that will help your child know that this is indeed family music making time. If you have an infant hold them close so that they feel the rhythm through your body, or place them in your lap as you sit across from your older child, focusing on interacting with them. You and your older child can make music WITH the baby, or make MUSIC for the baby. The focus is on the activity of family music making. Since you are currently in your own space at home, it is not only OK, but encouraged to use everything possible to make music. Yes, your voice and bodies are your first instrument, and then reach out for the instruments/home items your teacher suggests, and any of your child's favorite toys. Children's "work" is play, many grown-ups listen to music while they "work", if your child loves to draw, or build, or dance, or daydream and imagine during class, let them, they are always processing and doing the "work" of play. Your job is to keep singing and have fun! Thank you. ~Wendy