I moved to Massachusetts in 1984. Since then, I have faithfully watched the Boston Pops perform every Fourth of July. Back then, John Williams was the conductor. He was the man who wrote the music for my favorite movies, “ET”, “Indiana Jones” and “Jaws”. I couldn’t believe he was conducting the orchestra I was watching. This was seeing all that I had been listening to for many years. I was hooked on ‘Pops Goes the Fourth’.
Here’s what matters: their music is universal, from opera to pop to country, and everything in between. Exposure! Children need to hear music and see music performed. They need to listen to different sounds; not just high and low, but sounds that make them feel and wonder. They need to see a variety of instruments, looking and listening to the sounds they make. They need to watch musicians play the instruments so they can make a connection with sound. They need to wonder what it would be like to blow a horn or prop up a cello, or pull a bow across strings. They need to imagine doing just that in order to make music.
A few years ago I watched Melinda Doolittle sing. One of the best parts of her performance was her saxophone player. Then, there was the Sons of Serendipity with their harp and cello. The sounds of those instruments took me to another place. I thought,
“What if someone asked me who the artists or composers are, or what the titles of the songs are, or how I explain music to children.”
Instinctively I knew the answer. Appreciating and understanding music comes from listening and looking, feeling and exploring. It includes both vocal and instruments. That’s what I do. Can a preschooler love Vivaldi or the cello? You bet! The Boston Pops concert does that every year. So do I. Rarely do we listen to ‘children’s songs’. We move, feeling the beat. We listen to classical music (often painting while listening), popular music, patriotic music. “How does that make you feel”, I ask. We learn about different instruments and their sounds. Best of all, guests come and play for us. And, I play the autoharp. In the words of Hans Christian Anderson, “Where words fail, music speaks.”
When I was a child I loved Mickey Mouse cartoons. I vividly remember the one with the orchestra and the wind blowing away all the musicians. I also loved Mickey Mouse in Fantasia. It was adulthood before I realized that classical music was the foundation for those cartoons and movies. Walt Disney did for children what the Boston Pops does for people; bringing a variety of music and instruments into an ‘every day life’. Genius!
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Great to see the kids relishing the instruments, Jennie. I learned the orchestral double bass at school, but sadly didn’t continue with it. Even just making a sound on any instrument can be a joy. Check out this children’s book, by my blogging friend, Nicholas. Animals who are instruments, the perfect pairing! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Pete. They love to feel, touch, and play. We often talk about vibration- they loved feeling the horn when it blew. Yes, just making a sound is a joy. Good for you that you played the double bass. I do know the children’s book! Best to you, Pete.
I read your words this morning and I found myself speaking out loud , “Yes, yes, yes!” I have encouraged people to let their kids see the music as well as hear it.
Nicely expressed, Jennie.
Thank you, John! Your comment is especially nice and appreciated. Happy Fourth to you.
Another truly lovely post, Jennie. I remember an early teacher of mine trying to do something similar, but there were no instruments to show with the telling. You inspire. Happy Fourth of July hugs!
Many thanks for you lovely words, Teagan. Having an instrument makes all the difference. Happy Fourth to you, too!
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take your preschoolers on a field trip to a Boston Pops concert! I love listening to a full orchestra playing pop music like the Boston Pops playing Beatles songs.
That would be a dream come true! Full orchestra is the best. 🙂
My grade three teacher brought in her portable record player and played the Grand Canyon Suite for us. Even though we were prairie farm kids who had never traveled anywhere outside our small community, we felt like we were there in the Grand Canyon. Something i have never forgotten.
I love this story, Darlene! I remember you telling me this. Have you ever tried to contact that third grade teacher to tell her? I plan to play that piece of music for my preschoolers.
Yes, I did find her a few years ago and thanked her for everything she had done for me. She is a writer now as well and has had a couple of books published. We shared writing experiences and I gave her one of my books. I wrote a blog post about her https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/a-special-teacher/
Couldn’t agree with you more, Jennie, that kids need to see music as well as hear it! Lovely post. Happy 4th!
Thank you, Cindy! Happy 4th to you! 🇺🇸
Really good points, Jennie. My daughter played the violin, the Suzuki Method, and got to play amazing classical music even as an amateur. It has made a difference to her even as an adult.
BTW, teacher to teacher, both my kids spent their formative years playing instruments and both excel at math. Interesting.
Wonderful, Jacqui. It makes a big difference. And, music and math are definitely connected. One of the reasons I am a strong supporter of the arts.
Happy 4th July!!!!
Thanks, Ritu!!
💜
I think some of Disney’s genius rubbed off on you, Jennie. It’s terrific how you expose the children to this medium. Enjoy the holiday and the music. And, Happy Birthday, America!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Steve. Best to you! 🇺🇸
Thanks, Jennie. Enjoy the concert/fireworks.
🙂
This is such an important aspect of culture to expose the children to, and to make it part of their early education is a wonderful thing. Good for you, Jennie – enjoy the concert.
I will! And thank you, Dan. They have a good lineup tonight, and I never get tired of the 1812 Overture.
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is another wonderful post from Jennie!
Thank you, Charles!
A lovely post for this holiday. Music, like reading, can never be introduced too soon to children. Being present at many of the Boston Pops 4th of July performances has always been among my greatest memories. I remember fondly being present when Arthur Fiedler was conducting. John Williams and Keith Lockhart performances were shared with my children. “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” – Plato. Happy 4th of July! Thank-you!
This is so wonderful, Ellen! I did not know Plato’s quote, so a big thank you for that. Arthur Fiedler was Mr. Boston Pops, the original. He was still the conductor the first year or two we were here. The man! And following him we adored John Williams. And now, Keith Lockhart. Wonderful! I’m watching as I type this. You and your children were lucky to have been there. Me, too. 🙂 And yes, music can never be introduced too early. Best to you, Ellen.
Yet it remains a mystery to me why the it is the humble bagpipe which can inspire millions to march into uncertain battle…Even with myself being of Scots Irish descent … But there is nothing like their hypnotic sound that never ceases to rouse the sleepy soul! It is the bagpipe that I will follow anywhere…
Well said, KC. A bagpipe at a funeral is quite moving.
I was commenting just the other day about how people who write poetry usually love music and are musical. They also love words and descriptions. I remember Fantasia too. Walt Disney was a genius although I am sure he would be most upset about some of the stuff that goes out under his name these days. Great post, Jennie.
Thank you, Robbie. You have said it well. I think The Arts (I used capital letters because it’s so important🙂) in general are interchangeable
Yes, I believe you are right, Jennie.
🙂
Did not finish… interconnected is the word I wanted to say. If I show children a picture book with amazing illustrations, I sometimes pan the book while playing music in the background. I think Walt Disney would approve. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wrote poetry. 🙂
Great explanation of how to share music with children. I love the Boston Pops, too!
They’re pretty special. Making music universal and inviting for everyone is huge, and they do it well. They certainly inspire me to share all kinds of music in my classroom.
Awesome post! This year was my first time seeing the Boston Pops performance and I loved it 🙂
Thank you! They are the best and appeal to everyone.
You have your own particular genius, Jennie. With you, it always comes back to “How will this benefit/impact the children?”
It’s an important measure, both for individuals and societies, and I’d like to thank you here for continually bringing it to our attention. 🙂
That is so nice, Cathleen. Thank you. You’re right that I always, and first, think about how it will benefit the children. It would never occur to me to do it any other way. I believe you are right, that it’s an important measure for people and societies. 😊
Oh Jennie, this is great. I am glad more than I can write in this comment that you are helping kids explore and experience music. That is such a gift and so awesome!! Thank you for sharing this.
Love Debbie
You’re welcome, Debbie. I’m so glad you enjoyed this. And many thanks
For your kind words.
Reblogged this on K. D. Dowdall and commented:
I loved Milly’s Story by Jennie and I thought I would Reblog one each day for those who may have missed this heartwarming, healing, story that changed her students lives by being apart of what will now be a legacy of beauty, a beautiful quilt for America, in the National Liberty Museum and for our soldiers, at the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital. An unforgettable story.
With a full heart, thank you Karen.
Jennie, you are welcome and it is a sheer pleasure forme do share the beautiful story! Karen 🙂
😊