by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

The second grade children's voices rang out, 'Start your day with a song' to the words and tune composed by Teresa and Paul Jennings. ​This is one of the songs the students have been learning and it teaches them a great philosophy...to start their day with music!

The students gave an enthusiastic performance for their spring concert! 

I have been accompanying the Bendix Elementary students spring concerts for the last 13 years have seen first hand how their teacher, Penny Koets, uses the magic of music to teach and transform her students. The music supports the grade level curriculum and introduces students to a variety of cultural musical traditions from Argentina, Mexico, Ghana, France, African American, and traditional American folk music.

As I was approaching the music room for a recent rehearsal, one of the classes was lined up waiting to enter the classroom when I overhead one of the students exclaim, 'I love music!'

While the students are experiencing the joy of music, they are developing tools that will enrich their lives forever.

• The art of concentration and listening
• Working as a team
• Memorizing positive messages through lyrics
• Gaining self confidence 
• Rhythm teaches fractions
  
• Lyrics teach language
• Expressing thoughts and emotions through music
• Learning that music is always with you
• Music is just plain fun!​

When the students music period is over, so many of them head off with smiles on their faces!​

Music in our schools truly enhances the learning experiences of the young people in our communities.

SUPPORT MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS!​

Have you had an experience where music has enriched your life?​ I would love to hear your story!

by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

The University Club was a beautiful location for a winter wedding. As the guests arrived, they were greeted with my piano selections of traditional classical wedding music and elegant songs of romance. ​Music continued for seating of the family and the Processionals, Lighting of the Unity Candle and Recessional. It was a pleasure sharing my music for this lovely couple!

Photo credit:  BellaGala​

I appreciated the lovely review that the bride and groom posted online at WeddingWire.​

by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

"You must love having a profession that involves participating in happy events" was a comment I received this week when meeting a gentleman for the first time.

I heartily agreed that I love sharing my piano music for events that celebrate happy occasions. Tailoring my piano repertoire for anniversaries, birthdays, corporate milestones, graduations, engagement parties, and weddings is great fun!

But I reminded him that some events such as funerals are solemn and at times heartbreaking for many of the guests.

My comment caused him to recall his father's funeral and how important the music was to his family.

This week two separate events caused me to reflect on the effect music has during times of bereavement. Earlier this week I had a lovely grand piano at my fingertips just inside the main doors of a beautiful funeral home. As guests arrived for the visitation with the family they were greeted with colorful floral arrangements, a flowing fountain, and my elegant piano music. The visual and musical atmosphere helped create a relaxed and welcoming setting. Guests would occasionally stop by the piano to comment on the effect of the music. Even though this was a time of sadness, the music helped create an uplifting atmosphere.

his evening there was a intimate memorial service for a gentleman from my local church. As guests gathered to greet the family, I softly played songs of faith. During the service I loved accompanying the guests as they sang the family's choice of well-loved hymns. This allowed the guests to express their hope and faith through music. The widow told me that the funeral was 'so perfect' and was exactly how her husband would have wanted it. 

he quote from Aldous Huxley sums it up beautifully. "After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music."

Have ou experienced an event where music really affected the setting in a significant way? I would love to hear your comments!