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The Children's Music Foundation Newsletter March 2010
Final Curriculum Begins to Take Shape
Sayoko and Sammy 
Teacher feedback from the 4-lesson trial program launched last fall has provided insight into what does and doesn't work, and how we can improve the program. Visiting cultural guest Sayoko Kuwahara and one of our 'music friends' Sammy (above) and another cultural guest from Kenya, Kathryn Kanyiri and our own 'Music Man' Arturo (below) are big hits with the kindergarten students. These are  just some of the elements that will make up an integral part of the curriculum design and will be featured prominently on the the final DVD portion of First Note.
 
.Arturo and Kate  
 
15 Lessons Complete
 
15 of the 30-lesson  curriculum are written, so we're halfway there!  The final lessons are being designed by a team of three college professors that have added much detail including a wide range of singing, a broad vocabulary, and a wide variety of instruments. The 3-member curriculum  team is currently located in Cleveland, Seattle and Australia and work together electronically when not physically together.  It's a whole new world!
 
 
  
 
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From our Program Director Paulette Evans
 
"Overall, a very strong program and very "doable" for a classroom teacher"    Music Specialist, Ohio
 

 NAMM Main StageMarch is the month for winding down our 4-lesson trial program as the feedback pours in from around the country. At this time we have over 1350 children in 12 states participating in our music program. Because of the continued interest, we added three new states; Nebraska, Oregon and Minnesota. We've gathered valuable feedback from our participating teachers and continue to hear how much they like the movement, the music vocabulary, the music man and the special guests from different countries.

Music FriendsWe are also hearing how easy the written portion of the program is to follow. Two of our teachers from New York said how much they appreciated the ease of use, referring to both the DVD and the curriculum book. They also said that, "The class likes the 'calm body.' I use it often when I want the class to settle down."
 
One of our music specialists from Wahoo, Nebraska said she was excited about the "Word of the Week." She teaches music vocabulary to her older students and has a word wall for them. Now she can make one for her kindergarteners.

Several of our teachers shared that they have continued to use "First Note" program after the 4-lesson demo was finished. The students enjoyed the lessons so much that the teachers have decided to do them over again.

CMF Welcomes 2 New Board Members
 
CMF is fortunate to have both Gary Wenet and Kathy DeWalt join our board of directors.  Read more about them on our website (http://cmfinc.org/?page_id=67). Welcome aboard!

 
If you have an interest in providing support or hearing more about First Note, please contact us at Paulette@cmfinc.org   
 
 Sincerely,
 FN Materials
Rourke  M. O'Brien 
The Children's Music Foundation, Inc. 
 
The Children's Music Foundation, Inc.
608 State Street S., Suite 100
Kirkland, Washington 98033
www.cmfinc.org
425-250-2390

ic Foundation, Inc.
608 State Street S.
Kirkland, Washington 98033