MusicLink!

MusicLink is starting up again on Tuesday, September 18th at 4:00pm. We will be meeting at the Children's Museum of Richmond in the CMoR playhouse. For those of you who are returning members of the group -- please note that this is a new meeting day and room.

This year we plan to focus on percussion. We will also be watching and learning the pieces that our partners perform on the exchange video that came over the summer. We look forward to seeing you and to hearing your ideas about what we'll share with our exchange partners this school year.

Parents of children who are working on IEP goals are welcome to contact us to discuss goals and/or accommodations that will make it possible for your child to get the most from the program. Any child who has an interest in singing and playing music in an inclusive environment is welcome to participate.

Below we've posted a few clips from the video produced by VSA arts of Virginia's 2006-2007 participants. (We apologize for the low quality -- we're trying to keep our file sizes down). You may view examples of video submitted by other groups by clicking here.



PS: MusicLink is a free program brought to you by VSA arts of Virginia. Donations are always welcome!

MusicLink Press

Thanks to Richmond Parents Monthly Magazine for the great article about the Richmond-based MusicLink program.

Xylophone Keys That Open Doors: MusicLink Program Involves Kids Around the World
by Angela Lehman-Rios

Six xylophones, two dozen mallets, eight children and a small room. No, it's not the set for an asprin commercial. It's a MusicLink class. The adults in the class are just as happy as the kids.

Since June a group of parents and children have been meeting weekly with Melissa Owens, a music therapist. The class includes children with disabilities, siblings, parents and friends. They sing, try out instruments and move to the music.

Read the full article -- here.