The Sound of Music: music lessons come to FLM!
Two special Saturdays of music: 5 and 12 April, 2014
Students of lower socioeconomic status who took music lessons in grades 6-12 increased their math scores significantly as compared to non-music students. But just as important, reading, history, geography and even social skills soared by 40%. ~ Gardiner, Fox, Jeffrey and Knowles, Nature, May 23, 1996
Wonderful things continue to evolve at Finca La Maya! The next special events will be two days of music: singing, lessons, and playing instruments for students in classes at La Maya every Saturday. Thanks to the generosity and talent of Janice and Elmore Stuart, this will be a rare treat for everyone. The Stuarts have doneated musical instruments, and will teach the kids about musical concepts, singing, and then apply those ideas by teaching them to play some notes and simple songs on the recorders and keyboards.
Except for older students who learn to play for a town’s band, music is a stranger to most families in the interior. “Music is the universal language” grins Elmore. “There is never enough of it!”
The program at La Maya is one that will offer the Stuarts an opportunity for sharing a passion with those for whom music instruction is not easily or readily available. Perhaps there are some expats or Panamanians who are interested in forming a musical group or who have played an instrument in the past or who wish to begin the journey of making music. Any and all interested in learning more – children or adults – are welcome to come to the two classes at Finca La Maya where they will be teaching on 5 and 12 April at 10 am.
Elmore and Janice both have backgrounds in performing and teaching music. Elmore playa clarinet and saxophone. Janice was in her high school band, earned a teaching degree in instrumental music, has taught in public and private schools, adjudicated contests, and maintains a private teaching studio the couple formed a decade ago. Janice teaches piano, woodwind and brass instruments. Elmore teaches woodwind instruments and repairs band instruments. Both currently perform in several adult concert bands and a jazz ensemble.
The Stuarts are planning to retire to Panama in the near future and would like to remain active in a teaching and performing capacity. They hope to settle in the greater Coronado area and plan to seek music opportunities in other communities in Panama. They look forward to their new adventure, and wish to continue to share their love of teaching and performing with those of like mind and interests.
Janice and Elmore are planning to perform at the Grand Opening Reception for the new Coronado Community Center on Saturday, 12 April, at 6 pm, in The Village Commercial Center in Coronado.
For more information about free community programs at Finca La Maya, call (507) 240-8281, E-mail info@fincalamaya.com or visit the web site at www.fincalamaya.org
Music training helps under-achievers. Students lagging behind in scholastic performance caught up to fellow students in reading and surpassed their them in math by 22% when given music instruction over seven months. ~ Nature, May 23, 1996
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Finca La Maya in San Carlos provides FREE classes for English, Art for Kids, and a Computer Lab. Classes are held every Saturday and there is also a bilingual library. All activities are supported entirely by donations and volunteers. FLM always needs more of both! The programs at Finca La Maya depend on the generosity of supporters and donations. Every dollar helps, donations may be made directly on our website. Thank you for your support!