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In the fall of 2008, the Britannia Clubhouse officially opened the new Music Room to its member population.
With the help and support of some dedicated staff and volunteers, the kids now have an opportunity to be instructed in piano and guitar on a weekly basis at no cost to them.
The Music Room is open most evenings, which gives our budding musicians time to practice, practice, and practice.
Staff member Timothy Prueter has devoted a great deal of time working with our members who have never been exposed to music:
Having the room equipped with electric and acoustic guitars, a piano, keyboard, drum kit and P.A. system allows us to explore music in a variety of different ways. Some children choose to play guitar and piano, while others invent electronic beats, make up original vocals, beat box, and play drums. This is important because it gives the kids a chance to experience music in a creative environment, become familiar with new instruments and enjoy them with their peers.
Many our members performed in the March Break Talent Show allowing them to show off their progress in front of their family and friends.
The idea of the Music Room came from former member extraordinaire Amanda Kingsland.
Amanda drew up the plans and has brainstormed many different program ideas over the years with the staff and kids. She currently works for Y101 as a Promotions Coordinator and Evening Announcer, and was on hand in March to cheer on the kids. She even jumped in to play a little guitar herself.
Izabella Sowa is our resident piano instructor. Izabella is a registered volunteer who visits the Clubhouse weekly ,teaching piano to members ranging in age from six to fifteen years.
"Experimenting with instruments in the music room gives the children an opportunity to be exposed to a variety of music media and to develop their self-confidence. Learning to read, write and play songs on the guitar and piano allows the children to acquire new skills, to build upon them through regular practicing, and to feel a sense of achievement when they can perform the music that they have learned for others."
Future plans for the Music Program include more structured lessons in reading and writing of music, and the formation of a Clubhouse band.
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