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Category Archives: Classes

Climbing out of our Comfort Zone

Posted on December 11, 2023 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Classes, Classes for Kids, Day Trips, Day Trips, Health and Wellness, Out and about..., Party, Reviews, RNYM's Picks .

Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

As a child, when we were driving somewhere and we would pass tall rock formations on the side of the road, I would daydream about climbing them.  I’ve always been a very physical person, I like to push my body’s limits, to try new things.  But I never got around to trying it.  I was super excited when we were invited to the climbzone to try it out, as was my action/adventure loving daughter.  My son, a true first child, was a bit more skeptical.  

So we made an appointment to go try it out and wouldn’t you know, my daughter gets sick.  She was SOOOO bummed. Gotta love the cold and flu season.  

We went on a Tuesday so that it wouldn’t be super crowded, and decided to make it a mother son date of sorts, we would grab some food afterwards and have an evening out.  It is easy to find in the food court and is slightly intimidating at first.  

The staff was friendly and took the time to explain the safety measures to us first and foremost as they fit us with harnesses and went over the safety procedures.  They chatted with us about how long they had worked there, and about the ratings of the different climbing walls.  We decided that as a first time, we would stick to the 1-2’s. 

BOY WERE WE NERVOUS!  Our first climbs were our lowest, as we cautiously learned the ropes.  Slowly during our time we began to challenge ourselves and then each other.  Eventually making it to the top of the tower of London, and scaling a dinosaur skeleton.  At the end one of the employees even suited up and climbed with us (it is not fair how effortlessly she was able to climb, just saying).

We had a BLAST.  Though A and I tend to be more cautious, we really got up there, and afterwards said we would definitely do it again.  Especially because E missed out, we will have to go back. 

It was good though, because A is the harder sell on this one.  He loves the puzzle type places where you work to solve something, but is more skeptical of some of the adventurous ones.  When we went to dinner afterwards, I asked his honest opinion.  He said he loved it, would do it again, and wants to go when I bring E. 

It’s a great activity for a fun birthday party, and I can see it being perfect for any scouts, as well as team building opportunities.  When I asked A if there was anything special that he wanted me to add to the review, he said to make sure that I mentioned multiple times how lovely the staff was.  They didn’t just do their job, they got to know him, laughed with him, challenged him to climb higher, and complemented his behavior.  

It was a super good experience, I enjoyed watching A overcome some of his inhibitions and challenge himself physically and mentally.  I look forward to returning, and bringing with us the most fearless of the crew so that she can in turn challenge us to do even more. 

As Always if you should choose to visit Climbzone after reading our review, please let them know you heard about them here <3

 

Rock n’ Roll! A Destination Recital!

Posted on October 7, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Out and about..., Photo Obsessed, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Travel .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

When we signed up AJ for drum lessons 4 years ago, we thought of the benefits to him.  He doesn’t love soccer like I did, and I was so glad that he found something that he enjoyed.  We are a music loving family so it wasn’t out of the ordinary to us at all.  We knew that being involved in lessons helps with reading and writing, as well as with mathematics.  We hoped that at some point it would help with the concepts of teamwork, and would teach him how to lead (as the drummer often drives the song). Here’s what we were unprepared for.

We found a school that has been able to reach him in extraordinary ways.  He has developed a real love of music, and an appreciation for all types.  His school has been able to accommodate him throughout a pandemic, meeting with him virtually so that we can remain socially distanced and keep our E, who has some health issues, safe.  He has performed a minimum of 2 times a year since he began, learning about musicianship, and playing in different types of venues.  He began performing along with music, graduated to playing on his own and now he has kicked it up a notch.  

This past August we had the pleasure of watching our son play on one of the most prestigious stages there are.  He was invited to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  To do this he not only had to learn a new song, but had to learn how to play with a slew of other musicians who he did not have the opportunity to practice with on a regular basis.  He had one practice time, one dress rehearsal and the performance.  So much of this is a real life musical experience that we were floored.  

For us this was a dream experience realized.  A dream we didn’t even know we had.  This kid took each bump in the road (including the rescheduling of the event due to COVID twice) in stride.  Learned 2 songs (one that he abandoned after playing it so long that he was over it), traveled with us all the way to Cleveland by car then performed brilliantly.  

The music school arranged for us a lodging block, as well as the performance and tickets to the hall.  In order for us as parents to be present and not be distracted trying to document the momentous occasion, the school arranged for professional video and photography.  

We planned a whole trip around it.  When honestly will we ever have the opportunity to come back? So we wanted to make sure that we hit all the “must do’s” while there.  We had the BEST TIME (stay tuned for a post with all our favorite things to do in Cleveland in cause you never thought to go and it may end up on your hit list.  

This experience was well worth its weight in gold.  We had the best time, the kids (and adults!) were so professional, and they gained experience they never would have without.  We were in awe at the artifacts in the building, and you could feel the weight of the experience everywhere.  Nerves were replaced with composure and all kids performed beautifully.  (A) enjoyed the experience of playing with all live musicians so much he is now super interested in the Rock Band Class offered by the school.  

Our minds are reeling.  I don’t know how they are going to top it but of course our minds are reeling… Nashville? Where else keeps popping into our minds.  We are so thankful for such a creative and fabulous school where (A) has been flourishing for 4 years already!!! Stay tuned!

Looking for a unique and professional music school where you or your child can flourish? Take advantage of the Halloween Promotion they are currently having!!!  FREE REGISTRATION and FREE FIRST LESSON when you register and mention RNYM.com!!!!

Musicianship- A Lesson well Learned

Posted on July 8, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Opportunities, Out and about..., Photography, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Thoughts.. .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

As you well know, (A) has been taking drum lessons with the New City School of Music for 4 years now.  He has blossomed into a great, versatile drummer.  He has been a full remote student since COVID hit, and we were so excited to report last month that in person performances are back.  Despite being able to learn online, and participate in virtual performances as well as performing for NYSSMA this spring, he has really missed having opportunities to showcase his talents live.  As mentioned in my previous article he has two opportunities upcoming to do so.  

The first was an outdoor recital this past weekend.  These organized performances (which happen twice a year) are free of charge to parents, family members and friends to attend.  Sam and the music school staff were able to book Zukor Park, and get the mobile bandstand stage for the students to perform on.  The usual performance space is indoors, and although it’s awesome, this was a really nice opportunity.  He hasn’t played live outdoors yet.  As a musician it can pose a whole new set of obstacles to overcome.

Having been away from the scene for a year and a half, he was understandably nervous.  He was in the last group of the day (NCSM breaks performers into groups so you don’t have to be there all day, although you could if you wanted to) and when we arrived we learned that he was closing out the whole performance!  Super cool, especially since he always chooses something fun and upbeat.  I brought my good camera to snap some pics, intended for this article.

When it was his turn, (A) got settled on stage and arranged the kit the way he likes it and the music started.  He had difficulty hearing the music and missed his entrance.  For most kids, especially those with little experience it would have totally thrown them off.  For a moment I didn’t dare breathe, afraid that he might become embarrassed, stop, I am not even sure what I was afraid of.  I underestimated him. He simply listened, counted and jumped in.  You would never know.

At the end is where he really shocked me.  He was feeling it, and proud, he knew he overcame a huge moment.  He finished the song and threw his hands and sticks up in celebration.  All in attendance cheered and I snapped a quick (mediocre) photo.

He then came off stage and his sister so proud of him, threw herself around him in congratulations.  I missed it.  Know who didn’t miss it?  The professional photographer that NCSM hired to take photos of the day, (Latham Photography) at no charge to us students.  He captured all of it, and super well.  Two days after the performance we received our complimentary link to download the edited photos and I was floored.  Below are HIS photos of this awesome event.

Did I mention they even went around and took family photos? Here’s our group <3

Needless to say, I am one happy momma.  (A) has shown so much growth even in adversity, overcame a little blip in his first live performance in a year and a half, entertained the crowd and has set a new standard for his next performance.  Which will be at the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME in Cleveland Ohio in August, another amazing opportunity afforded us by The New City School of Music.  I look forward to reporting back and updating you all on that experience as well. <3

If you are interested in hearing more about The New City School of Music and what they have to offer, give them a call.  We as always appreciate you mentioning you heard it here.  Their current promotion is as follows: 

It’s not too late to sign up for music lessons! *** July Music Special *** Get Free Registration and your 1st thirty minute lesson FREE if you enroll by July 6th!
Fight the Summer boredom and let’s make some music! Enroll by 8/1 and get Free Registration and your 1st thirty minute lesson FREE!
We teach Drum, Guitar, Piano, Violin, Voice, and Woodwinds to students of all ages. In person lessons ARE available! It’s super easy to sign up–just call/text us 845-499-2137 or send us an email at office@newcitymusicschool.com.

Performances, Recitals and Concerts are BACK!

Posted on May 10, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Travel .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are our own.

I KNOW everyone is craving some normal.  Now the kids are back to school (even mine starting this week), Broadway is selling some tickets for this coming fall, and even my students are coming in and reporting that they have been vaccinated.  I want to take this opportunity to champion all the children’s classes and activities that found ways to continue on thus far.  You guys are amazing!  This includes (but is no limited to) our directory members Dance Central PA, New City School of Music, Coupe Dance Theatre Studio, Swim Like a Fish Instructional Aquatics and so so many more. 

Virtual instruction and performances have continued on, with most offering a hybrid or full accommodated return. Although all had the best of intentions, my children were uninterested in virtual performances last year, and I am sure they are not the only ones.  With more time to prepare this year, they have secured outdoor locations, and some MAJOR indoor performances that we have been looking forward to can continue.

This is what spurred this latest article.  Although (E) has not been able to dance this year (virtual just doesn’t work for her and with her health concerns we couldn’t risk it), (A) has been doing his drum lessons virtually since March of last year.  We are lucky enough to have a full kit at home to work with.  Each time a virtual recital came up he politely declined, wanting to perform live.  The event he was so looking forward to (playing at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame) was postponed, and he was really nervous that it would be cancelled.  He even got to perform a NYSSMA piece for the first time this year, and had to participate virtually by recording him playing.  He doesn’t love that, but was a trooper.

We just received an email from New City School of Music  with information regarding an OUTDOOR in person-performance in June. (A) was all over that- is like playing at a festival, or a party!  He is so stoked! Truly, there’s an option for everyone and that’s what I love.

Information: June 27th we’re doing a hybrid recital! We’re doing outdoors in person here in Zukor Park here in New City on Sunday June 27th. We’re very excited about that. Everyone will be safely socially distanced.  We’re renting the stage from the town for students to perform on.  And we’re also going to continue with the online option.  So students who wish to perform virtually can still do that, and we’ll post that on our YouTube page.

Then we received word about a new Rock N Roll Hall of Fame date. (A) couldn’t be happier.  We get to take a little family vacation and he creates the memory of a lifetime (you’d better believe I have a pinterest board ready)!

Information: We’ll be performing in the Foster Theatre, located on the 3rd floor of the Hall of Fame August 21.

As if that weren’t enough, Sam and the staff at the music school realize that getting your child to practice may be difficult so they have added zoom practice sessions to their list of offerings!!!

Information: Twice a week students can log in to a Zoom practice room to practice with other students, and we have a live proctor there to help students practice.  Students can ask questions – how do I work on this, or that?  We’re getting a lot of really great feedback on this and it’s keeping students motivated. And on top of that, every time you log in to the Zoom practice session, you can earn 3 points towards your practice challenge wristband.  You can earn 1 point for practicing at home, you can mark it off on your practice chart and 3 for practicing in the practice session.  So be sure to check that out – check your email for the dates and times and we’ll see you online for the Practice Sessions!

With amazing things like these coming up, its no wonder they have just reached the milestone of having 650 students enrolled at the school (congrats guys).  They will just keep growing.

845-709-8383

Email: office@newcitymusicschool.com

Code Ninjas Adds MLK Activities!

Posted on January 8, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Things to Do! .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post. 

Code Ninjas Locations in Bergen County to Offer Coding Workshops on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 18th

(ROCKLAND/BERGEN, January 5, 2020) On Monday, January 18th several locations of Code Ninjas in Bergen County will be hosting events for students. Code Ninjas of Midland Park will host a free MLK Coding Workshop Day with three one-hour workshops to be held at 10:00am, 11:30am and 1:00pm. The coding workshops are appropriate for children ages 7 to 10 years old. Children will experience creative and analytical challenges and opportunities as they build, mod, and create ‘Minecraft’ like games in Scratch. Participants will be able to choose their own characters and actions inside the games and learn to control and manipulate those characters.

Registration is required. Please register at http://bit.ly/codeninjamlkday

The coding workshops are designed to teach kids the fundamentals of computer programming, specifically looping, condition statements and variables and children with no experience in coding can participate as well as those with some previous instruction. The workshops are designed to be entertaining, fun and educational and foster the young creative mind and teach children to be ‘digital producers’, as opposed to digital consumers. To reserve a spot call 201-882-1234. Workshops will be held at Code Ninjas at 85 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ.

Code Ninjas in Saddlebrook is hosting school fundraisers for Martin Luther King Jr Day. They will offer a virtual “Hour of Code” to participating schools, where kids get to design and code their own games and share them with friends and families. The proceeds of each hour will be donated back to the participating schools. For more information on how your school can participate call 551-300-2633. Code Ninjas is located at 383 Market Street, Building B Unit 6 in Saddle Brook.

Code Ninjas is the world’s largest and fastest-growing organization helping kids learn to write code on computers. At their centers, kids learn to code while building their own video games. They gain problem solving, critical thinking, and STEM skills in a fun, safe, and inspiring environment. For more information and the location near you, visit www.codeninjas.com

Your kids can become a “Code Ninja”

Posted on November 17, 2020 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Camps, Classes, Reviews .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as we were invited to a class.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Finding things to do with kids is HARD.  Nowadays its even harder.  Where is safe? What protocols do they have in place?  Is the activity worthwhile?  Here at RNYM as you know we love to explore all the extracurricular options available to us in our area, and that’s how we found Code Ninjas Norwood NJ.  

Located just over the border on 303  in NJ, it’s nestled in a little shopping center.  When we walked in we were greeted right away and out temperatures were taken.  We were then asked to sanitize our hands and walked around a bit. 

The dojo is located in a “parent free zone” which is good firstly for bodies in an area, and so that the kids are free to learn without fear of parents putting pressure on them.  This is also great for parents because it is so easy to reserve your time, drop your child(ren) off and return when time is up.  (What? I might be able to run an errand child free?!)  Oh yeah and because the kids work at their own pace, my 7 year old and my 10 year old can attend at the SAME time on their different levels.  You don’t have to reserve separate times and run around all evening!

To attend a class you call, text, or email to reserve your spot.  There is no set “class time” you can come and go anytime during their hours (which fits nicely if your kids do multiple things). This is one way that they make sure they are not crowded.  The kids attend for 1-2 hours per week.  Once the kids go in you can clearly see that the work stations are set up 6 ft or more from one another.  I watched as the Sensei’s sanitized these stations and other equipment between users.  

What are they learning?  Great question.  As the name suggests Code Ninjas teaches kids how to code.  They play “games” and complete activities that teach them how to create actual code.  By the time our one hour was complete both of my children had written their own games, AND had STEM time.  STEM time is an opportunity for the kids to get up and stretch their legs.  They work with remote control cars, drones, the 3D printer or a different type of video game if they choose.  This was nice, especially because my kids were able to sit undisturbed and complete the games they built (they were so into it) with assistance from the Senseis, and when they were done, they appreciated being able to get up and move about. 

Speaking of the Senseis, they are college and HS students who are high performing students, and either major in computer science or education.  They have all gone through the entire program themselves, and can help the kids as they navigate through the levels.  They circulate the room helping the kids get started, and then come over to their work stations if they raise their hands and ask for help.  It’s all one on one help, no large group instruction for these classes.  In fact, they can tailor a program so much, that they are even able to cater to students with various disabilities including but not limited to physical, learning or spectrum disorders.  They have students who fit all the criteria, and after a conversation with parents regarding your specific child’s needs, they are off to the races.  

My kids were SO excited to show me their games when they had completed them.  They each fit their personalities perfectly.  The sense of accomplishment was so obvious.  When they were all done, we were able to catch a belt ceremony too.  These ceremonies happen just like in martial arts.  When a student passes a level, they are awarded a certificate, a new colored wristband with a personalized RF chip in it, they get to ring the gong, and move their name up into a new section in the waiting area for all to see their progress.  I wish I could have taken photos, this child was also BEAMING ear to ear.   I am a big fan of these promotion programs, because it makes the progress that your child is making tangible and gives them the opportunity to celebrate.  

It’s exactly like their motto “Kids have fun, parents see results.”  On our way home we called my brother in law, who creates websites and apps for a living to tell him what they had done.  He was SUPER impressed.  My KIDS LOVED THIS CLASS, and are begging me to continue on with lessons.  So much so that my daughter did her weekly writing for school all about the experience.  

Her game was titled “Diamond Fish” because she enjoys diamonds and fishing.

Anyone who knows (A) would expect the dragon involved in his game, but maybe not the bowl of cheese doodles?

Interested and want to learn more?  They offer free 30 minute trials- after which they talk to you about how it went and whether or not they think it is a good fit for your child(ren).  Also available are BIRTHDAY PARTIES- with various game themes (think Roblox, minecraft, among us, etc), and scouting activities (both boy and girl).  They also offer various workshops for the weeks that kiddos are off of school, as well as camps.  

The Dojo we visited: 508 Livingston Street Norwood, NJ 07648  (201) 267-2633  Get Directions

Other Locations available locally:

Midland Park

85 Godwin Ave
Midland Park, NJ 07432
 (201) 882-1234  Get Directions 
 

Ramsey

171 Lake Street
Ramsey, NJ 07446
 (201) 402-2601  Get Directions
 

Saddle Brook

383 Market Street, Building B Unit 6
Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
 (551) 300-2633  Get Directions –

Pandemic Learning SOS

Posted on October 18, 2020 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Reviews, Services .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I am always excited to add new and interesting businesses to our directories for families.  I am also very proud of the fact that we offer a wide variety of services to meet your needs, and that we are able to help small businesses reach the people who need them.

Now more than ever tutors are in demand.  Hybrid programs, and fully remote options are leaving lots of responsibilities on parents who have jobs that call them away, parents who don’t know the curriculum, parents who are exhausted.

Well, meet Jeffrey Ventola.  He is a college professor who just started his own local tutoring business.  He (along with some other adjunct colleagues) have jumped in head first to help out the parents and students who need them.

What he offers:  Both virtual and in person models are available.  Jeffrey will also see single students or groups (up to 4 at a time).  All subject areas are welcome.

When he decided he wanted to do a review, I offered one or both of my children and he enthusiastically said he would work with both, at the same time.  This is of special note because I have a 7 and a 10 year old.  In elementary school that is A HUGE DIFFERENCE.  We determined that he would work on writing with them, and it would be in person at my house with masks and proper social distancing. (You may recall that my children are full remote due to my daughters health concerns).  WELL… the best laid plans.  This week there was a spike in COVID cases county wide, and nervous about those consequences I sent my kids along with my husband to our Lake House, which we set up with wifi for just this occasion.  You see, I am a teacher at a local High School, I could expose them.  So I wrote to Jeffrey and asked if remote would work and he was quick to say absolutely.

Jeffrey used a zoom classroom with my kids and I logged in without a camera or microphone to watch (I wanted it to be as authentic as possible).  As an educator of course, I have a unique perspective and was curious.

He took time to get to know each kid, allowing them to introduce themselves which of course they loved, and I did too.  You can’t get a kid who you don’t know to buy into what you are trying to teach them.

Jeffrey then projected some notes up onto their screens and had the kids write them down.  His wait time was on point, my 7 year old took a little longer, and he has the patience of a saint.  He even took time throughout to commend my son on his patience as he is a little quicker at a lot of the tasks presented.

I won’t bore you all with too much teacher jargon, but I will add that he used multiple modalities (learning styles) with the kids even via zoom.  They went over key writing factors, did two writing pieces (differentiated by kid 2 paragraphs for my 10 year old and 1 for the 7 year old). Offering them feedback and having productive conversations each time.

At the end of the hour the kids were clearly done, he took the cue, thanked them, complimented them, and discussed quickly what he would like to do with them the next time they meet.

 

The lesson was good, each child got something out of it, and the educational conversations being had were important.  My children are both pretty good students, but they don’t love writing, and the fact that they were engaged for an additional hour of online writing was pretty impressive.

 

Jeffrey has immediate openings at World Tree Tutoring, but I anticipate that they will not for long, so if you or your pod are looking for someone to enhance or facilitate some of the learning your child is currently receiving give him a call.  worldtreetutor@gmail.com  (845) 558-2686 They even have a referral program!

**Edited to add:

World Tree Tutoring will be doing free virtual homework help through the Valley Cottage library October 22nd 4-6pm. Students can sign up for 30 mins – 1 hour long sessions, and while the age range listed is 6th-12th grade it’s still available for younger students.
I’ll send the link for registration here: https://www.valleycottagelibrary.org/quaranteens

Thank you New City School of Music

Posted on October 18, 2020 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

A big thank you to New City School of Music.  Thank you for keeping some sort of “normalcy” in my kid’s life.  Thank you for continually adapting seamlessly despite all the craziness that is going on right now.

It’s back to school this week, some remotely, some hybrid, some in person.  When we went into quarantine last March, I didn’t know what to do.  My son has become quite the drummer, and just like I was concerned about his schooling, I was super concerned about what would happen with his music.  And no, its not because I had delusions about him becoming a famous drummer.  If he does, that’s great and it will be a result of years of hard work and effort, as well as a love for music.

It goes so much deeper than that.  Since he has started drumming other areas have improved as well.  His focus, his reading, his work ethic and listening skills.  He has started branching out into different genres and become more interesting to speak to.  Some of this is maturity, he has been taking lessons since he was 7, but its more.  His tracking is faster, his reading has GREATLY improved.  He went from a kid who didn’t want to sit still and read his assignments to a kid who read 1.5 hours in the car for fun on the way home from Pennsylvania, and each night before bed.  He’s almost done with the Harry Potter series and it’s amazing.

I was so afraid for that to stop in March.  But it didn’t.  The school transitioned to online lessons quickly, we didn’t miss one lesson.  Andrew’s setup is perfect, they learn, jam together, and even sometimes have drumming competitions.  Andrew has even been sharing his influences, and (A) uses YouTube to watch performances and drum clinics.

I have another reason to thank them now.  They are completely re-opened in person lessons now.  Everyone can go in, and there is a fabulous list of precautions that they are taking.  While public schools are still revamping their curriculum for instruments due to their limitations, New City School of Music is completely open.  BUT for those of us keeping our kids home because of immunity issues, they allow us to continue online.  Yes you read it, if you’re nervous or NEED to stay home for medical reasons, you can still get your lessons in.  With (E) being one such person we are super thankful that they continue to have that option available.  They hosted an online performance in the spring for students to showcase what they have been working on, and have also mailed us the bracelets that (A) has earned.  RNYD and I do not feel that (A) is missing out on ANYTHING by staying remote, in fact in many ways it’s much easier.  We are SO thankful.

 

A Big Decision

Posted on September 23, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

When my kids started swimming with Condors, it was only (A) because he was the only one who was potty trained, so its been some time. (E) has been with them ever since she was.  They have both moved up the ranks in Learn to Swim under the guidance of Ms. Ashley Telesmanic for 5 years now.  (E) is on pre-team increasing her stamina while also working on fine tuning her strokes, she’s 6.  (A) moved from pre-team to future stars past year (at 8) and was just moved up to Bronze.

For those who are unaware what means, it means that he was moved to the REAL SWIM team. Big, HUGE deal for (A) who has always loved swimming for fun but has always been adamant that he doesn’t want to compete.  This move, it required a long honest conversation, that I wasn’t sure my little man (now 9) was capable of having.

The good news is that thanks to Ms. Ashley there is another option called Technique and Fitness, its for the kids who have surpassed Learn to Swim, who want to come and workout in the water, and work on skills but don’t have the desire to compete.  So when we had the discussion we talked about that option.  In fact, I was fairly certain that is the way he was going to want to go.

He surprised the heck out of me.  He wanted to push himself.  To the tune of 4 workouts a week for over an hour each, which is way more than the 1/2 hour he was doing on future stars.  Also, eventually he would have to compete, which he didn’t want.  Well he’s changed his mind and would like to do ONE event at the first event to get the nerves out (that’s MID-OCTOBER!!!).

We decided to go to practice the first week to be sure he could handle the increased time and demands of Bronze, before fully committing and purchasing the uniform.  He did the first day and asked to return two days later, then was upset that he couldn’t go that Friday due to a school conflict.  That was it, he was hooked.  We went to uniform night and ordered his jammers, shirts, and personalized swim cap.  He’s a swimmer.  I don’t know where this is leading, or if it will become anything, but he is enjoying it, and we are supporting it.  He wants to compete and we will be there to cheer him on every step of the way.  I am thankful for the opportunity and the advice that Ms. Ashley has given us to get to this point. The time she has taken to get to know my children to help them to continue to learn and grow within the program, and ever so sorry that we are almost complete with our time with her.

 

Here is a photo of him after his first full hour practice, he hasn’t stopped smiling, he loves it and its been weeks. He’s in love, and maybe he’s found his niche.  If so I am so excited that he has found his love, if not, im so super glad that he has tried it.  I just want him (them) to have something that they love, and to be happy and healthy.  Well, it looks like we are well on our way. :o)

 

 

On a Roll with New City School of Music

Posted on August 13, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Reviews .

Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are our own.

It’s no secret that kids who study music do better in school, there have been several articles written about it.  There are so many benefits to music education, too many to mention.  To us that stuff is all secondary.  Watching our son do something he loves, something he feels, and something that he is just growing at by leaps and bounds, that is the truest benefit there is.  Our son isn’t just playing a steady beat through a song anymore (which is REALLY hard as I found out at parent participation class last week), he is CREATING, switching tempos, and even working on some showmanship (slowly).

By: RNYDad

               (A)’s concerts are both incredibly exciting, and incredibly nerve-racking for me. I enjoy helping him prepare, and I enjoy seeing how much he loves to play. Unfortunately, the nervous father in me cannot help but well…be nervous. With the help of his fantastic teacher Andrew Klein, and the New City School of Music (A) is killing it on the drums.

For his June performance (A) brought a few ideas to Andrew, so that they could decide on a piece that both tests his skill while still connecting with Aidan. This time, (A) got to play a song by his favorite band Weezer. He chose “Beverly Hills”. It was the perfect choice for him, it pushed his ability and it made practicing fun.

The day of the performance Aidan was cool as can be. He walked up to the kit and played better than I could have hoped. He has an easy confidence about his playing (thanks to the numerous opportunities he has had to perform already). When he saw us filming the performance, he gave us a funny smile as if to say, “I’ve got this”. He even created his own drum fills for the outro. His musicianship is growing at a pace that I just didn’t think possible, especially not so young. I proudly sent the video out to my musician friends and they mostly responded by questioning both his age (he can’t be 8, right?) and if I lock him in his room hours a day with his drum kit.

I strongly attribute his success to The New City School of Music, and his teacher Andrew Klein. I remember taking music lessons as a kid and thinking my teacher was just out to torture me. (A) is always excited to go to his lessons. He sees Andrew as his friend, and mentor, his guide through the world of drums and percussion.  It’s exactly what I always hoped to see in a student/teacher relationship.

Check out the video…. Andrew is on the stairs behind him (you might have been able to figure that out by his ear to ear smile).

Click for video below:

https://youtu.be/xcWwkgpzOzo 

On our YouTube Channel are (A)’s previous performances as well so you can see how much he has improved in these two years <3

It’s Back To School Music Lesson time!  Register NOW for music lessons at the New City School of Music, voted “Best Music Lessons” 3 Years In a Row in Family Magazine!

Lessons are offered on piano, guitar, singing, drums, violin, saxophone, flute, clarinet and ukulele for children AND Adults!

Register by this coming Saturday, August 24th and mention RocklandNYMom and get your $55 registration fee for FREE!

Call NOW at 845-709-8383
Text: 845-499-2137

Email: office@newcitymusicschool.com

Or stop by for a tour 7 days a week at 14 North Main Street, New City, NY 10956.

MAKE SOME MUSIC this school year!

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