Music at CCEP
Denise Gilliam
Melinda Oriani is a Core Faculty member with Special Distinction and serves as Early Childhood Department Head at The Music School of Delaware. She has taught music to thousands of young children for 28 years. Melinda earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance and has sung professionally with Houston Grand Opera Chorus, Philadelphia Singers, Houston Chamber Choir and various churches throughout the years.
Fully trained in Kindermusik & Musikgarten, Melinda has earned ECMMA level 2 certification. She was owner/director of Clear Lake Kindermusik®.
Each week in music class, your child will participate in a variety of activities that will not only allow them to explore music, but will also help build curiosity, self-expression, listening skills and self-control.
Class always begins with a “Hello” song and many songs are included in our time together. A song might help explore a concept such as fast/slow, quiet/loud, or it could be used to encourage solo singing. The singing voice is your child’s first instrument and should be given as much attention in these early years as the speaking voice.
There are plenty of movement activities in music class. We move to the steady beat of a drum or dance freely around the room. Some songs or recorded music encourage us to move like animals or use our bodies to show how the music sounds.
Active listening activities are used to focus the children’s attention on a specific sound. We might imitate it after listening. The sound usually relates to a song or movement activity to follow.
Playing instruments is a favorite part of every class. We use rhythm instruments such as bells, sticks, shakers, or drums at least once in each class. Sometimes we play along with a song or recorded music. Other times we might keep a beat or use instruments to make sound effects or tell a story.
Group circle games and dances are included in classes as well as rhythmic chants and finger plays. Activities will vary weekly, but there is also a great deal of repetition so that children can become comfortable with the songs and activities. It is a great pleasure to hear “Let’s do it again” from the children!
