By Emmy Lou J. Burchette, Music Club Volunteer
Around five o’clock on Wednesday afternoons, a joyful noise erupts in the church building as 40-some Music Club members gather. What happens next is pure magic.
With a green light from their teachers, the four and five year-old members of Christ Church’s Music Club swiftly enter their classrooms, pick a place to sit, and plop down around the edges of the carpeted floor. Music fills the room as they begin singing responsively to their teachers’ inquiries: “Hello Miss Lauren, Hello Ms. Katie, my favorite food is … chocolate … pizza … cupcakes!” becomes a familiar refrain to start the session.
The club environment is characterized by things unique to a young child’s world. Sometimes these little friends bring something to boost their morale: a favorite costume is worn, a doll is clutched, a prize souvenir from a trip to a grandparent’s house is proudly brought to a club session. Who wouldn’t feel better with a pink bedazzled pocketbook or a Spider-Man plushie? These treasures are — mostly — deposited on a special side table for safekeeping during class, with a few held throughout the session. By the second or third visit, those articles number fewer as everyone relaxes into the fun.
The music club for four and five year-olds has become a much beloved program at Christ Church. As a program volunteer I have the pleasure of being in the classrooms and seeing the children light up as the teachers engage them with interactive songs and stories. Believe me, no matter what your day has been like, those 30 minutes are joyful and energizing!
Genie Hufham, a long-time program volunteer, sums up the experience perfectly. “I love that music club is a place where everybody feels special. It’s so much fun.” She adds her perspective that this volunteer role is about more than her love of music. “I want to be a person they know is safe; when they see me they know I am here to help them when they need it.”
Katie Lehman and Lauren Tomme, the music club teachers, are masters of their craft. Both certainly have musical talents — but their skill set goes well beyond that. They understand young children and how to guide them in learning about music, rhythm, and story-telling. The teachers create an environment where learning is fun and they build self-confidence in these little ones. They use creative approaches, incorporating hand puppets, “Crazy Cat” and “Zeke the Zebra,” tambourines, and a slide whistle to enhance stories and songs. As a result, the kids gain a joyful, positive relationship with the music program and Christ Church, which in turn creates a wonderful foundation for their church life.
To learn more about this innovative program, enroll your child, or sign-up to help as a program volunteer, contact Katie Lehman at lehmank@christchurchcharlotte.org or visit the church website www.christchurchcharlotte.org/music