Sunday, May 31, 2009

Welcome to my backyard!

I've been a backyard naturalist for many years....probably mostly because of the sounds of nature we use in our Kindermusik classes to help children with skills in intentional listening. This kind of listening is far different from "hearing" (from which we cannot escape!). Often in class we use the songs of birds to practice our intentional listening. For myself I am thrilled when I am outside and hear a bird and can name it just from its song! I find I can hear many layers of bird sounds--birds calling, answering, proclaiming, scolding... Once on a short vacation up to Mackinaw Island the squeaking wheels of my suitcase insulted a robin's territorial claim. He tried all the harder for us to understand we were imposing--nay ~~ tresspassing! This short video gives insight to human sounds we hear but usually don't listen to. I found it both humorous and sobering at the same time!

Join our Kindermusik Adventures class (Welcome to My Backyard) Monday's at 10:30 for lessons that stretch our ability to listen with intention! Begins June 1. See www.ashevilleartscenter.com

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Was that, by any chance, aired on April 1? Otherwise, pretty unbelievable!