Two good ideas for EC teachers. One: A board where teachers can add the cute things kids say. You hear them all time, and maybe you remember them or maybe you don’t. This is a way to bring humor, to connect, and to sharpen everyone’s sense of listening for those great little moments. Two. A …
One more Christmas song. Going for the traditional feeling in the music, and another glimpse of the past. Simple times in a complicated world. All for Christmas Morning All for Christmas Morning Like an answer to our prayers With the day a dawning We were waiting on the stairs all for Christmas morning. Mom and …
Every year I write a couple of Christmas songs. The holiday retains its magic for me. This one is in honor of the traditional feast, and for those who are so good at creating it, including my mom, Virginia Stotts, my cousin Anna Osborn, and my wife, Heather. I know it’s not always peace and …
I went to Mary Babula’s visitation tonight, joining hundreds of other people who came to remember her and celebrate her life. I had known Mary for many years, and every interaction I had with her was warm, kind, and positive. She was instrumental in the growth and development of WECA, and continued to work on behalf …
At the end of the Children’s Music Network Conference there is always a closing circle. Because the network is made up of singers and musicians, there’s a full and rich sound when everyone sings together. I wrote this song soon after, imagining it sung by my friends at that closing. Maybe some year, but for …
At the Children’s Music Network Gathering this year I was about to give the keynote (a nerve-wracking assignment). As I prepared to start I was standing by my step-daughter Celeste, who was talking to a CMN member. Celeste was excited about the event, and she had reserved a spot up front. I overheard her say …
I was walking into an early childhood center this past summer and a new song showed up. I was literally writing it as I was setting up. I played it and kids got it and liked it right away. It’s a useful song. I’m gonna clap my hands in the morning. I’m gonna clap my …