ROB MURRAY: I’m speaking with Tangle McClaron. Starting on Tuesday is a free program that you’re offering online through artsPlace. What can you tell us about Mini Melodies?

TANGLE MCCLARON: Mini Melodies is a fun, engaging, and interactive music and movement class for kids zero to five and their caregivers that’s offered through artsPlace with the support of the Bow Valley Family Resource Network.

RM: I know you’ve done this program before, and I know you’ve done it in person before. Is it different doing it over Zoom with the kids? Are they as engaged?

TM: It’s definitely different doing it over Zoom, but we’re still seeing quite a high level of engagement. One of the nice things about doing it this way is I can see all the kids’ faces and I can see their reactions. It’s really fun to see them picking up their instruments or following along with the movements. Although I can’t hear them, I can often see their mouth moving as they sing along with the song. Even though we’re not all together, we’re still experiencing that exchange of energy that goes on in a live music setting and making music together while being safely apart.

RM: Tell us about a typical Mini Melodies session.

TM: Each week we have a different child friendly theme, like animals, feelings, food, or vehicles. That helps guide the musical journey for that week. We’ll play different instruments, and those instruments are things that parents can easily find in their own house. It’s things we already have, like chopsticks, wooden spoons, or a set of keys. The kids have an opportunity to explore musical concepts like rhythm, pitch, tempo, and volume, and every week we have a puppet visitor who shows up. We get to play some games, sing some songs, play some instruments, and through this we’re encouraging musical literacy and allowing kids to foster their creativity, but most of all have some fun and enjoy making music.

RM: I’d imagine this is a great social connector right now as well?

TM: In a time when we may not be able to see our friends, Mini Melodies also offers us a chance to see our friends online. We leave a little time at the end of each class for a little social so kids have a chance to see each other’s faces and say hello.

RM: What do the grown-ups get out of this class?

TM: Mini Melodies is a great way to connect with your kid, to have some laughs and be silly. For grown-ups, you get the added bonus of knowing that exposing your kid to music has a lot of positive effects on their long term development. Music ignites all areas of a child’s development, including intellectual, social, emotional, motor skills, and language. It really helps the mind and body work together, and it’s also so much fun.

RM: The parents are involved with this program as well?

TM: Absolutely. Over the 45 minutes, because our demographic is zero to five, the parents or the caregivers will want to be there and be involved, helping to model those positive listening skills and those interactive skills. Since it is over Zoom, that can be new territory for small kids, but it also gives them an opportunity to have a little break and have a music moment, and have some fun with their kids.

Filed under: artsPlace, Canmore