Music in the Summertime

Musicians Terry Tucker and Ardyth Gilbertson bring a musical experience to children in a summer program that emphasizes creative ways to increase early childhood developmentundefined through music, language, poetry, word recognition, imagery, dance and play. Rise & Shine Summer Camp, located in Shepherdstown Elementary, and Energy Express, in Ranson Elementary, are the two locations for Music in Summertime.

Stories and fables, poems and songs are chosen to enrich and stimulate children’s imaginations, enlarge their vocabulary and instill a sense of wonder and joy. Games and dances add the joy of movement in rhythm and the satisfaction of teamwork.

Many of the children come from ethnically diverse communities in Jefferson County, including Hispanic, Indian, African American and Native American. Traditional songs from other countries are included in the repertoire, introducing children to other cultures. The musicians’ philosophy of teaching music to children recognizes that they benefit from having poems and songs committed to memory.

Many children no longer know the songs that have been passed down for generations, and too often they have no songs to sing at all. The goal of the Music in Summertime program is to keep alive the tradition of passing down our song heritage for the benefit of today’s children and future generations.