There is a special moment planned during the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra “Concert on the Lawn” this Saturday night, August 8th.
Spoiler alert: It involves a very cute group of kids singing two very cute songs in celebration of Kindermusik’s tenth year, backed by the Symphony.
“I wanted to celebrate ten years with a party,” said Kindermusik Director Cathy Mullins, who said she originally thought about an ice cream social but then had a better idea. “The Concert on the Lawn seemed like the perfect time and opportunity to celebrate because it’s a free event for the whole community. They’re (OSO) celebrating 50 years, which is amazing, so it lined up perfectly.”
The Symphony composed an arrangement for the songs that the Kindermusik choir will be singing during the performance.
“I’m inviting present, past and future students to come and participate in the choir,” Mullins said.
Each year, there are children’s activities before the Concert on the Lawn, so this year Kindermusik will also have a booth with information and hands-on children’s activities.
The Symphony and Kindermusik already have a great partnership. For the past eight years, Kindermusik has been housed in the Symphony Academy building (211 E 2nd Street). The OSO secures grants so Mullins can take Kindermusik into the community to places like the Neblett Center, Hager Preschool, Oasis and Audubon Area Services.
The Beginning
“I should have majored in music,” Mullins admits. But life took another path for her. After teaching in public schools, the opportunity to start Kindermusik afforded itself when her husband got a promotion. “I’ve been doing this ever since and I love it.”
Kindermusik is a franchise which was introduced to America almost 40 years ago by a German educator. The program has been in Owensboro before, but Mullins’ program is the longest running.
After starting at Good Shepherd church, Cathy met Diane Earle and the partnership between Kindermusik and OSO was born.
More than Music
Kindermusik is music and movement that focuses on all areas of child development – cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical and musical – all in one class.
“A lot of people think it’s just music, but we focus on total development,” Mullins said. Creativity and free play are a large part of the Kindermusik program. “Living in this world of children – I just love it! You experience the world of wonder over and over.”
The Concert on the Lawn is Saturday, August 8th on the front lawn at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Families are encouraged bring blankets, chairs and coolers. Children’s activities begin at 5pm. Concert starts at 7pm. Sponsored by: US Bank Home Mortgag, Dr. Kishor Vora and Atmos Energy.
For more information about Kindermusik, find them on Facebook or call Cathy Mullins at (270) 316-9203.
