Friday Fave: The Most Caring Radio Station

by | Uncategorized

Last November, I had the amazing opportunity of participating in 103.7 WDBR’s annual radiothon, which benefits The St. Johns Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network.  I wrote and recorded two songs based on the stories of parents and children whose lives were saved by these organizations, and the songs were played on-air throughout the weekend.  Needless to say, it was a huge thrill.

The radiothon raised over $90,000 last year, and now they have opportunity to go into 2010’s radiothon with a $50,000 head start. Foresters™ is partnering with Children’s Miracle Network to find North America’s Most Caring Radio Station, and WDBR is in the running!  They are currently in 16th place, so they have until February 5 to take the lead.  The great news is that you can help, and it only takes a minute.

Just go to the contest website and click the “Vote Now” button.  You’ll be asked to register your email address, and then you’re ready to vote.  Search by city and state (Springfield, IL) and then cast your votes for:

103.7 Today’s Hit Music

Bookmark that page so you can go back and vote each day (make sure to use up all 10 votes per day).  I’ve been listening to WDBR for as long as I can remember, and I may be a little biased, but I know for sure that not only do they deserve this title, but so do the children who will reap the benefits of the reward.  For more information about WBDR, click here.  And go vote!

That Yellow Bus

by | Listen & Learn Music, Uncategorized

Transitions from one place or activity to another are one of my students’ biggest areas of struggle.  One particularly difficult transition that a majority of children face on a daily basis is getting on and off on the bus.  Student arrival and departure is quite an event at my school, especially for students who ride the bus.  Another therapist (from a different school, but who happens to be a family member!) told me about a student of hers who is having lots of trouble with bus transitions.  She asked me if I had a song dealing with this topic, and I replied that I didn’t yet, but to give me a few days.

The song that resulted is uncomplicated and repetitive.  It covers each and every bus transition: getting on to go to school, getting off at school, getting back on after school is finished, and getting off at home.  Take a listen to “That Yellow Bus” and see what you think:

When it’s time to go to school,
This is what you gotta do:
Get, get, get on the bus!
Once you are inside,
You’re gonna take a ride:
Get, get, get on the bus!
Snap your fingers, tap your feet,
While you’re cruisin’ down the street,
In that yellow bus.

When you get to school,
This is what you gotta do:
Get, get, get off the bus!
To your class is where you’ll go,
This you already know:
Get, get, get off the bus!
Snap your fingers, tap your feet,
Your day is gonna be sweet,
Once you’re off that yellow bus.

When school is through,
This is what you gotta do:
Get, get, get on the bus!
Once you are inside,
You’re gonna take a ride:
Get, get, get on the bus!
Snap your fingers, tap your feet,
While you’re cruisin’ down the street,
In that yellow bus.

When you’re home from school,
This is what you gotta do:
Get, get, get off the bus!
In your house is where you’ll go,
This you already know:
Get, get, get off the bus!
Snap your fingers, tap your feet,
Your afternoon will be sweet,
Once you’re off that yellow bus.

This snappy little ditty is one that I think will come in handy for many of the students at my school and elsewhere. Plus, it’s just fun! The therapist who requested it has two little boys, and she told me last night that they were dancing around the kitchen last night while they listened and sang along. Now that put a big smile on my face :)