Fran McKinney

CMN has changed my life.  Pretty big declaration, but true.  So here I go.....

I taught early childhood students with special needs for over 30 years.  In my last 10 years of public school teaching, I began writing songs to help teach language, concepts, learn about feelings and family, develop early literacy skills and just to have fun.  I found that I was learning a lot about how my students learned best through the books and visuals I created to help them "sing" the songs.  I say "sing" because many of my students had no verbal language, but they often became engaged when I sang the book or activity.  They became even more involved when we made class books and individual books for the songs.  I was amazed at the process....how much I learned from them.  I did this in my own little room and found my co-workers encouraging me as I wrote more songs.  One even said, "You should retire and do this!"  Retirement was a long way away and, of course, I had only my co-workers and students who seemed to enjoy the music.

Eventually, I began teaching children as they entered the inclusion kindergarten.  A whole new world opened up for them and for me.  I had to learn a new way of teaching....the kindergarten teachers were the leaders and I was support.  These were great teachers, but they very rarely used music and I found all students tired after sitting for more than 15 minutes (and we know a remedy to that, right?).  I shared some music with them and they wanted me to do some more.

A conference flyer came to all of us about "Using Music to Enhance Learning in Your Classrooms".  I felt an immediate kinship with this idea. The workshop was where I got my first taste of the flavor of CMN, without even knowing of its existence.  The instructor talked about acknowledging the feelings of children by using books and songs; including children in songwriting with zipper songs, such as "Rainbow Round Me" and making class books using songs like "Room in the Boat", where each child was a part and included in the process.  He sang songs that helped teachers know that the heart of the child was what mattered most and if you wanted them to learn, you needed to connect there...and that music could take you there. 

Has anyone guessed yet who this wonderful presenter was?  It was Tom Hunter and he gave me the greatest gift in that workshop.  He affirmed what I had been doing in my classroom.  His message came through loud and clear to me and began to be a part of how I viewed by teaching.  Music IS a way to reach so many kids for so many different reasons---learning challenges, social challenges or just to have fun!  I will be forever grateful for that day with Tom.  I don't remember hearing about CMN that day---though he might have mentioned it.  But the heart of CMN was there.

Tom's workshop gave me tools to take to the kindergarten teachers and reach beyond my isolated setting.  I made a plan with them to teach the song "Room in the Boat" to the kids (I believe Dave mentioned it in one of his last emails as a round robin song).  They made a class book, 3 children working together to make own page with their boat and the 3 of them in it.  It was challenging for a lot of kids to have to work together on an art project.  Some were used to having control of their own project while some had learning challenges.  All of them learned new skills that day.   As I walked around the room watching this process take place, I felt like I was home.  And I knew I wanted to do more.

That summer, I looked up "Children's Music Conferences" on the internet and CMN came up on top!  I called Caroline and she was so welcoming, encouraging and enthusiastic that I found myself a member immediately. That fall, I attended the 2005 National Gathering in southern Wisconsin (how convenient, since I live in central Wisconsin).  I felt very welcomed and included in the session for newcomers.  I did feel a bit like an outsider in the conference.  I am fortunate to call Tom and Louise Pease friends, so they were familiar faces.  But it wasn't until Tom urged me to sing a song at the Round Robin that I began to feel the magic of CMN.  I was so nervous and was only able to start the song by moving my hands to do the motions to my song called Pumpkin Patch.  It is very simple and by the second chorus, most everyone was singing with me!  I had never sung before a group of people before---20 kindergarteners had been my biggest crowd.   But here I was, not knowing all of you and you were singing my song!  If that wasn't enough of a support, when I got off the stage, Joanie Calem said she wanted to put the song in PIO!  I was totally overwhelmed and embraced at the same time. 

After the national, I started attending the regional gatherings in the Chicago area where I met the incredible group of people who have been so supportive to me for the past 3 years.  They encouraged me to use my songs, make a CD and try to publish my books that go with the songs.  Again, the support was overwhelming, because I had not shared my music with any one but my small group of classroom teachers.  Getting validation again in 2008 when I did a workshop at the national gathering was so surprising and life-changing.  So I finished my CD and have now self-published my first book and am working on others.  This would not have happened had it not been for all the people, resources, opportunities to learn and share and network that I have found in CMN. 

Oh, and did I mention that the first Round Robin when I sang and you all sang with me was my birthday?  Not only was it the best birthday present ever, but that was the birthday that I turned the magic retirement age ( and I'm not telling what that is).  So I felt the support given that night gave me the go-ahead to act on the suggestion made years ago from a co-worker that  I should retire and do what I loved best---music and books with kids.   That is what I am doing now, and all of you are the reason.  Thank you, thank you. 

Just as CMN has changed the course of my life, I hope we are all coming together to acknowledge how the goodness that is CMN has been a force in our lives and will continue to be so.  The song I learned in that first newcomers circle was "Our Roots Go Down".  I felt included immediately as I made up my own verse and I feel included now as I tell you my story.  Thank you for being such a big part of it.

Nancy Hershatter

I came to CMN in 1993, when I'd been teaching music in preschools for one year. Seventeen years later, I'm still a full-time musician, teacher and performer and get 99% of my material and inspiration from all of you. Along the way I've made some incredible connections, forged friendships and sung more songs than most people hear in a lifetime. I've been a witness, and maybe even in some small way a midwife, to the changes and growth we've created along the way. I've not been aware until now about the dynamics of old guard vs. newcomers, and I hope I haven't said or done anything that would drive someone away. I AM keenly aware of what Deborah van Kleef reminds us: we have a lot of work to do in the area of becoming more culturally diverse.

For me, the overwhelming sense of being "a link in the chain", a part of this amazing and vital community, which nurtures me professionally and spiritually in the same breath, is why I'm here, and why I'm not going anywhere (unless all of you come with me, that is).  My love to you.

Frank Squillante

When I joined CMN in the mid-nineties, I didn't read any mission statement, nor did I do any studying as to what the group was or how it wanted to be represented. I did none of that.  Instead I happened to see Scott & Beth Bierko perform twice, two summers in a row at my summer camp job, and after each show I simply went up to them and chatted. Since I was a children's songwriter too, I merely wanted to tell them how much I enjoyed their material and their show. When I spoke with them again after the second summer show, they mentioned CMN to me and that perhaps I might check it out. Just that. They didn't push it on me or anything. They just hipped me to it. I told them I would check it out.

Then I met Nancy Hershatter, whose son, Jeremy, was in my music class at school. I first met Nancy after one of Jeremy's early school concerts and was touched by her kind and very supportive words about my work, and about how much Jeremy enjoyed making music with my class (to myself I noted how expertly she nailed on the head my own approach to the kids and what I had always tried to achieve in my work). Later on that school year, I happened to speak to her of Scott & Beth Bierko, mentioning how much I'd enjoyed their music and their show the past summer. To this Nancy replied, "I know Scott and Beth!" "Oh," I said. "Well, they mentioned something to me about a group for children's musicians...I can't remember the name." Nancy quickly said, "CMN! And would you believe it? I happen to be the regional rep for the NY Metro chapter!" It was very soon after that I joined CMN.

So it seems to me, like many other life experiences of mine, I found out about the CMN mission statement in a slightly different, roundabout way: through the example of these fine musicians I mention! Scott & Beth were very friendly, supportive, helpful, and extremely good at what they did; and Nancy, well, it's hard to describe her with words. Nancy, to me, truly embodies the SPIRIT of CMN. She's giving, caring, accepting, friendly, always laughing (you should hear her on my recordings from the National!), and always ready to listen. I got the CMN mission statement loud and clear through their EXAMPLE. And when I went to Black Mountain earlier this month, I got it again, only this time from all of you - a hundredfold!

So call it what you will, write it how you will, but in the end, the CMN mission statement is a living, breathing entity. (And personally, I'm not sure it can ever be completely and succinctly put into words.)

Sue Reier

As a preschool director/teacher, brining the joy of songs and music to children, CMN has been an incredible support to me as a non-professional musician. You’ve written songs my kids won’t let me NOT sing! (e.g. Carole’s Black Bat Farm!) Black Mountain inspired me to dig into my resources for something I can give back, and arriving home, my eyes hit Tom Pease’s CD. With their permission, this crazed origami person began folding cranes with 1,000 as the goal. I’m selling them in bags of 10 for $15.00 to anyone I can, including a yellow ribbon to string them on (‘till everyone’s troops are home). CMN gets 100% of the proceeds. If they all sell, that’s $1,500.00. If you’re interested, email me at tcc1991@verizon.net. One crane, two cranes, three cranes, four….Kidogo!

In peace, Sue Reier.

Dylan "Miss Dylan" Glanzer

I am a new member of about 2 years and I just wanted to echo not only Frank's thoughts, but his story almost word for word!!  I saw Beth and Scott perform at my summer camp job a few years ago and loved their show.  After, I just walked up to them and chatted, bought their CD, and asked them about their experiences.  They just happened to have a CMN brochure with them and handed it to me.  I thought their work was so much fun and professional; the kind of performers I want to be like.   After looking at the web site and seeing all the wonderful resources, I knew it was for me.  Like Frank, I also did not look for a mission statement or specifics, just what the group had to offer.  While I think it is important to have a statement that outlines who we are and what our goals are in the world of music, I don't think we could ever embody all that CMN is or can be, as that can be different for every individual.  I never thought I could learn so much being on a email list-group!!  You all empower me by your support when I need it and your appreciation of what I have to offer.  I will never leave this group and I will recommend it to any children's teacher or musician I come across. 

Tina Stone

It is not an exaggeration to say that I never would have made a successful midlife career change at 45 weren't for the encouragement and resources offered at CMN.

My Mom would always relate the story to anyone who would listen that from the time I was 5 or so, I knew I wanted to be a teacher...even though I never stepped foot into a school until I was 6!  I hold a B.S in Early Childhood Ed., and taught K for 2 yrs and preschool for 8.

While working as an *underpaid overworked Lead Preschool teacher at a private childcare center, I was blessed to meet the school's Music Specialist, who immediately took me under her wing, brought me to her fave music store and helped me choose a $100 'starter' guitar.  She taught me a few chords, shared her wisdom, some songbooks, and we actually had hopes of performing together - until her husband's work took her across the country. 

So here I was, with about 6 months of holding a guitar in my hands, able to play about 6 chords, with all of her clients asking ME to be their Music Specialist for the upcoming school year!!  In spite of my 'old tapes' telling me "I can't I can't I can't!!", my mentor said "YES YOU CAN".....and the rest as they say is history.

To hone my storytelling skills - which, unlike guitar playing come very naturally to me - I attended a Conference hosted by LANES - the League for the Advancement of New England Storytellers in Boston, and attended a Workshop hosted by our very own Joanne Hammil.  Although she had no CMN brochures (did we even have them way back when?), we discussed my transition from teacher to performer, and she recommended CMN as a fab resource for songs and support.  That was in 1996, the year I attended my first N. E. Regional in Worcester MA.  I've been a member ever since, and say with total honesty that ALL the songs I use in my classes to this day have their roots in CMN.  After attending some songwriting Workshops at CMN (where else???), I now even write my own songs, and actually had one published in PIO! many years back. I have a CD called Dance and Play Everyday.

The kind folks in CMN encouraged me, supported me, sent me lead sheets, cassettes (yes it was long ago), handouts and sang songs into my answering machine if I needed them to. I never could have made this transition w/o the loving support of CMN. 

Today, I am a Music Specialist at 16 schools, and perform at libraries, town events and festivals all over New England.  In my spare time, I conduct Teacher Training workshops to help teachers of young children incorporate music into their curriculum.  Music encourages early learning, brain building, sense of community and so many other skills  (there I am, up on my teacher pedestal again!!).

It's been an unbelievable ride over the past 10+ years, and I'm so blessed and grateful to CMN - and my mentor Anne-Louise Sterry (aka Aunt Lena) - for keeping me on this road.  It is what I was born to do - and with all of the love and support I've received from CMN, I plan to keep on keepin' on until????????

Thanks for staying with my ramble.  I love you all.

Anna Stange

I joined CMN because a preschool teacher I know gave me the brochure and told me she thought I¹d really like this organization. I held onto that brochure for about 2 years before I finally mailed it in!

Did I feel like I “fit in” immediately? Yes and no. I attended a Midwest gathering and felt SO welcomed. Everyone was amazingly kind! I realized that this was an organization of my peers what I¹m doing and they joined together and SHARED their ideas, tips, resources, successes, and advice! Wow! I just didn't "get" it, until I attended the gathering.

I got so much out of the Midwest Gathering, that I immediately signed up for the National Gathering in Petaluma and immediately recognized that CMN was/is a special place for the people who work with children & music to SHARE what they know with each other! This is a group of people not just singing about fairness & kindness, but putting it into practice! And even if I was (am) a shy person, and felt like a bit of an outsider, I still learned so much, enjoyed the workshops & got to know some of my fellow Midwesterners a lot better.

I believe that we live in a world where the simple, universal values of sharing, kindness and stewardship are immensely undervalued. CMN is a safe place for people who work with children¹s music to find and share non-exploitive songs, lessons, & activities for children (and us too). CMN is also a safe place and a “market” for songs about values, yes, family values: sharing, caring, stewardship, kindness, fun, respect and courage (peace & justice for short). I stay in CMN, because I believe that we are the best resource we have to become better teachers. And I might add that I think I am becoming a better person because of the people I meet in CMN.

I believe that CMN is needed in this world, today, and tomorrow, and as long as there are still people living in poverty, people being harassed, abused and exploited, and our common earth¹s resources being exploited for the benefit of the few at the expense of many. Through our words and actions, we are helping to raise the next generations of doers and leaders, and supporting each other to become better performers, teachers, leaders and facilitators.

Kim Wallach

In the spring of 1976 I was a senior in college looking for a part-time job. I saw a posting for a job doing music at a nursery school
in the next town, so I applied and was hired. The night before I went up and down my dorm hallway asking people to sing me and tell me songs they remembered and like when they were little. Move ahead a couple of years and I returned to the Boston area, and was working in a small music store for a tyrant. Lorraine Lee (now Hammond) came in to buy dulcimer strings, and we chatted and she invited me for a musical Thanksgiving. She became my mentor in so many ways. She was teaching one morning a week, the Moms and Tots program at the Brookline Arts Center. When she became too busy, I shadowed her for a few weeks, then took it over. When Jackie Spector left town, I took over her session too, and eventually it became so popular we added a third. I learned songs from Lorraine, and Jackie, and the few recordings available at the time, and from books, and from the parents.

I listened to what they were saying about the need for child centered entertainment and music, and made two simple recordings for cassette of all the songs we were singing in class. I played for their birthday parties, and alot of benefit concerts, but I was also trying to be a singer/songwriter for adults, and have to admit that I didn't value the music I was doing with children as much as the performing I was doing for adults. I love traditional music, and even though I write songs, I also sing and find comfort and delight in traditional music and in other people's songs as well. I sometimes write songs with children, but almost never write songs for children, except lullabies.

In 1985 I left the Brookline Arts Center so that I could tour, but took a job at the Wellesley Nursery School in the Hills - they would let me miss weeks for travel. During this time I remember hosting song swaps at the BAC with Hugh Hanley, who took over the music job. I remember the PMN conference where we had a session on children's music. For five years I drove to Texas, where I played the children's stage at Kerrville and got to watch and learn from other children's musicians from other parts of the country. I played for grownups in California, and both adults and kids in the Midwest. But as the excitement wore off I found touring exhausting and lonely, and in 1989 or 90 I took a break (or so I thought) and moved to NH, got married and had my daughter in 92. In NH I found work teaching in a small K-8 school as a part time music teacher, and I stayed there for 14 years. I got divorced, moved to Keene, and found a slightly bigger job in MA, and also some part time teaching at Keene State, teaching potential classroom teachers to be comfortable integrating music into their classrooms, and teaching an American music history class. The performing, except with the Short Sisters, has mostly gone away, and I'm not really sure how to restart that part of my career.  The weird thing is that I definitely write and sing songs that encourage social change, for adults. But for kids I prefer mostly traditional songs, and leave the politics unless they bring it up. I do sing songs about civil rights, about caring for the earth, but I save the other stuff for adults.

What I need most from CMN is being part of a community of people doing music with children, because otherwise I am alone in my buildings, and my everyday life. I love the resources, the exchange of ideas, the gatherings and swaps, and being connected online when I
can't get to the conferences. I love sharing all the stuff I've learned in over 30 years, and hope there's still a place for the work I do, and the songs I sing - the finger-plays, the traditional songs that connect us to our history as we move forward.

"Christmas Carole" Peterson

While visions of sugar plums danced in some heads
Mine was a-swimming with worry and dread
The Challenge was ending, Sol's birthday was near
Would we make it?  Had we done it?
Yes that was my fear.
  
As my watch ticked away, tick toc tick toc
(Oh blast that old timepiece, bah humbug damn clock)
I realized there were several hours before
That ticker hit midnight, Sol's Challenge is o'er.
  
On Bonnie, on Sarah, on Sally - for Sol!
Click away, write away, send dollars all!
I know we can do it, then I had a flash!
I needed to ask one last time for your cash!
  
In the wink of an eye, with a click of your mouse
Your money will make all of us shout "Oh WOWs!"
We are dollars away - not that many by count
So send what you can - in any amount.
  
The season of giving n'er comes to an end
It's kind of like friendships made in CMN.
The membership benefits keep on going from here
I thank you - and remember, there's always next year!

Sammie Haynes

To the tune of “Let It Snow” (sung with gusto so you may give with gusto!)

Oh our bank account is frightful
But Sol is so delightful
For a better financial flow
Give some dough,
Give some dough,
Give some dough!

Lately CMN needs some propping
And we'd like to keep it popping
Blow the dust off your big bankroll and
Give some dough,
Give some dough,
Give some dough!

Bridge:
Sol's challenge we're sure to meet
And we'll be able to weather the storms
We'll comfortably be on our feet
And our music will keep us all warm!

Well, time is really flying
So let's insure that there's no crying
With just a few days to go
Give some dough (in small voice like an echo: Ho!Ho!Ho!)
Give some dough,
Give some dough
Give some dough!

the Proclaimers and Janet Beatrice

(To the tune of “500 Miles”: 500 Bucks)

When we go out, well you know we wanna be, we wanna be at a song swap by CMN

And when we sing out, well you know we wanna sing, we wanna sing songs
by our friends at CMN

When we teach children, well you know we wanna learn, we wanna learn to
teach them well from CMN

And when we perform, well you know we wanna learn, we wanna learn to
perform well from CMN

And if /we /give 4500 bucks, then /Sol /will give 500 more
So be /sure /we give 5,000 bucks so /CMN /will long endure

Da da da da da
Da da da da da
Da da da da da da da da da da

Da da da da da
Da da da da da
Da da da da da da da da da da

And if /we /give 4500 bucks then /Sol /will give 500 more
So be /sure /we give 5,000 bucks so /CMN /will long endure

Judy Caplan Ginsburgh

(To the tune of  “I Have A Little Dreydl”)

There was an organization
It's name was CMN
They needed to raise some money
And Sol came up with a plan.

Chorus:  Oh, money, money, money
              We need to raise it now
              Oh, money, money, money
              Come on now, you know how!

He challenged all the members
To raise 4-5 "oh" "oh"

Five hundred extra he'd throw in
With a jolly "ho", "ho", "ho"!

Chorus....

The days are drawing closer
Time is running out
So, rise to meet this challenge
And get your check book out.

Chorus....

Patricia Shih

(To the tune of "Dreydl")

I have a group of friends
We like to sing and play
But if we don't support it now
Then it could go away

Oh, CM, CM, CMN
We like to sing and play
Oh CM, CM, CMN
Support it right away!

Liz Buchanan

(To the tune of “Deck the Halls”)

Fast away the old year passes
Fa la la la la la la la la
Buy those keys, you lads and lasses
Fa la la la la la la la la
Give it now, reach 4.5 thou
And Sol will kick in 500 more
So hurry up and join the keyboard
Give to CMN your gifts galore!