Gordon College Presents “Music Mania 2007” for Children Pre-Kindergarten Through Grade Six

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2007

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ashley Hopkins
Office of College Communications
978.867.4569

WENHAM, MA - In a continuing effort to instill music appreciation at an early age, Gordon College will host "Music Mania 2007," an annual two-Saturday music workshop for students pre-kindergarten through grade six. Under the direction of Dr. Sandra Doneski, Assistant Professor of Music at Gordon College, Music Mania instructors (comprised of Gordon faculty members and music education students) will familiarize young students with musical theatre, symphonic music, theory, world music and listening skills, all tailored specifically for children and presented in fun and exciting ways.

"I wanted to give children from the surrounding communities an opportunity to learn and have fun with music," says Dr. Doneski. "The Music Mania workshop provides a diverse introduction to concepts like The Art of Listening; Rhythmic Movement; and Composition, so even at a young age, these children can begin to develop an appreciation for music and take it with them throughout their lives!"

At Gordon, Dr. Doneski teaches music education method courses, supervises student teachers and conducts the Children's Choir. Doneski founded the Gordon College Children's Choir in 2000 to give children an opportunity to grow as musicians and to provide Gordon music education majors the chance to develop as teachers and conductors.

Prior to Gordon, Dr. Doneski served on the faculty of the New England Conservatory (NEC) Preparatory School, where she was Associate Conductor of the Children's Choir Program. Under her guidance, NEC implemented choral programs for early elementary and middle school students that focused on vocal pedagogy and building musicianship.

Doneski is a graduate of Gordon College and holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from The Hartt School, University of Hartford. Her research interests include the development of singing skills in children and adolescents, music classroom pedagogy, the acquisition of aural understanding and its relationship to music literacy, and curriculum development and assessment in music education.

WHAT: The Gordon College Department of Music presents "Music Mania 2007," a two-Saturday music workshop for children pre-kindergarten through grade six.

WHEN: Saturday, April 28, 2007, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and Saturday, May 5, 2007, 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m.; closing program on Saturday, May 5, 12 p.m. as "Music Mania" participants present what they have learned.

WHERE: Phillips Music Center, Gordon College, 255 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA

Admission for the two-Saturday workshop is $35 per child and $20 for each additional sibling per family. Enrollment is now open and classes fill quickly. Call 978-867-4364 or email [email protected] to register. Photos are available upon request, contact [email protected].

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Gordon College is a Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences on Boston's North Shore. The college offers majors in 36 fields and has graduate programs in education and music education. Leading the way in Christian college merit, Gordon is nationally ranked for its excellence in academics and its role in character building. These achievements recognize Gordon as one of the nation's top Christian colleges.

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