Owensboro’s Kindermusik named a Top Program

June 10, 2019 | 3:12 am

Updated June 9, 2019 | 6:15 pm

Photo courtesy of Kindermusik

Kindermusik at the Owensboro Symphony Academy has been named a Top Program by Kindermusik International, the world’s leading provider of music-based education for infants, toddlers and young children.

Dedra McDole is an early childhood music specialist at Kindermusik at the OSA and the current head of the Owensboro program. The Kindermusik Top Program Mezzanine Level award recognizes excellence in building an expansive program and reaching many families in the community with the renowned music and movement program that promotes early childhood education and is given to the top 5 percent of the programs worldwide.

“Kindermusik programs have a mission: helping children become better learners and helping parents understand how to help them reach their highest potential,” said Scott Kinsey, CEO at Kindermusik International.

Kindermusik at the Owensboro Symphony Academy joins the elite company of the 200 Top Programs identified as the top educators of the in the world who teach Kindermusik. Kindermusik at the Owensboro Symphony Academy received this award twice in previous years (formerly known as Kindermusik Maestro) under the leadership of Cathy Mullins.   

McDole began teaching Kindermusik in 1998 in another city. She moved to Owensboro almost two years ago and joined Cathy Mullins at Kindermusik at the OSA in the fall of 2017. McDole has been operating the program since the spring of 2018 and Katie Redfern rejoined as an educator last fall. Mullins will also begin teaching classes again this fall.

Kindermusik classes have been offered in Owensboro for over 30 years and have been held at local churches, Kentucky Wesleyan College and Brescia University before settling in at the Owensboro Symphony Academy for the last 10 years. This partnership has also provided the program with visibility in the community by being located in such a cultural organization.

Several previous instructors were instrumental in making the program a success, including Debbie Oliver, Connie Ford and Mullins.

In the last year, they have worked to offer more class options for different ages as they strive to reach more families.  The studio is not only concerned about children, but always seeks to educate parents and caregivers about the benefits of music and movement for child development and provide tools to use at home.  Kindermusik programs are designed to benefit the whole child, not just parts and pieces.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be able to know and serve each of these students and families,” said McDole.  “The Owensboro Arts community is fantastic, and I consider myself blessed to be able to do what I love and love what I do.”

The program also provides community outreach at various organizations within the community, including the H.L. Neblett Center, YMCA, Oasis and Wendell Foster.

“Over the last six months, we have held four special classes [we call them Kindermusik with Grandfriends] at Heritage Place Senior Living, McDole said. “This provides an added bonus for our families as an optional makeup class, and gives us a great opportunity to share the benefits of music with our community.  We love the intergenerational aspect of these classes and find joy and delight from children, parents, and seniors alike.”

Children’s birthday parties can also be scheduled through the Kindermusik program which Mullins said is enjoyed by all who attend because it involves the parents and caretakers as well.

Summer camps begin June 24 and fall registration begins this week with classes starting mid-to end of August. For program and contact information, visit the Kindermusik website.

 

June 10, 2019 | 3:12 am

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