Back in 2007, I inherited an early childhood music program at my church called Church Mice. The program had been around for almost 8 years, but the original teacher was moving away and needed to find a replacement. Luckily, I was just finishing up my music therapy internship in St. Louis and was able to step in.
I’m so glad I did, because leading this group is one of the biggest highlights of my week! It had been a few months since the fall session, so when we returned for the winter session in late February, I was reminded just how much fun we have.
I do have to say that the term “Church Mice” is a bit misleading. There is nothing quiet or unassuming about this class: picture 20 families (some with 3 children!) sitting in a circle, playing instruments while singing and moving. Although the class is designed for children ages 0-4, older siblings will often attend, as well.
Some of my little mice have been coming to the class since they were newborns, and it has been so much fun to watch them grow up. Many become piano, voice, and guitar students at my studio. I teach a pair of twin sisters who came to Church Mice as 5-year-olds with their two little sisters; they are now 10 and their sisters are also too old for the class, but it’s nice that I still get to see them every week.
I’m exhausted after 45 minutes of music, movement and fun, but it’s totally worth it. I can’t wait until I have children of my own in Church Mice (mostly so that I can see my husband’s reaction to the chaos), and I plan to keep teaching it until I’m too old to keep up with them!
