a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation – EIN 99-3474773

A class for our youngest campers: Music & More! (M&Ms!)

This class, designed specifically for young campers, provides a rich, varied, and age-appropriate experience with plenty of hands-on music making.

At Walker Creek we believe the best way to learn music is to get inspired, make connections, and become engaged through fun activities that teach basic musical skills. When students are connecting with friends, teachers, and a musical environment, they are likely to be inspired and want to improve their musicianship.

The connection between music and play is natural; kids love to play, playing music is fun, and we encourage a combination of both. All kids will participate in fun musical activities: jamming, singing, percussion, dance, band skills, crafts, art, nature walks, etc. Some activities will be for the whole group, and others will be tailored to specific skill levels. The class is taught by the teacher with a team of assistants, with specialists in art, fiddle and other instruments, dance, nature walks, and more.

All instruction will be tied to a central theme, relating to the general camp, that helps connect the kids to the rest of the camp. Since the theme for each camp is different, each session is unique, though all camps strengthen overall musicianship. In addition to the morning program, several exciting, fun electives will be offered in the afternoon, such as hambone, musical games, clogging, musical art, family sing-a-longs, etc. M&Ms kids and their attending parents may also attend the evening activities (dances, concerts, and jams). There will be a class performance one afternoon, and students may also perform in the student concert.

Beginning students will receive group instruction on their own instrument, or on a borrowed one with a focus on rhythm, collaboration, singing, and instrument basics. 

Intermediate/Advanced kids will focus on paying together in a “band” format with a focus on collaboration, arrangement, dynamics, improvisation and more. 

This class is generally designed to support students age 6 – 13. Students will be grouped in mixed aged “bands” based on musical ability (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced).   

Older kids/teens are welcome to come as students or teacher’s assistants if they are interested! Reach out to Krishna Feeney at krishnafeeney@gmail.com to learn more about TAing!

If you have a 4-5 year who you feel is ready for this course, please reach out to Krishna Feeney at krishnafeeney@gmail.com

Older kids (pre-teens) are welcome to come as teacher’s assistants 

Preschoolers are welcome too, and will be placed in a parallel program with age-appropriate activities.

Krishna Feeny
Krishna Feeney

Beginning students will get instruction on their own instrument, or on a borrowed one. The focus for this group is on basic skills such as technique, tone, scales, and simple melodies.

Intermediate/Advanced kids will get more challenging melodies, functional theory, ornamentation, advanced techniques, simultaneous playing/singing/dancing, band arrangements, and improvisation.

Preschoolers are welcome if their parents attend class with them.

Older kids (pre-teens) are welcome to come as teacher’s assistants.

Prerequisites:

All children are welcome.

About Krishna Feeney

Krishna Feeney is a professional musician, educator, and school administrator in the Bay Area. She has been devoted to public education and teaching for nearly two decades, with experience teaching and supporting students TK-8th grade. Krishna has been singing her heart out and playing her guitar for nearly 30 years, during which time she has dabbled in many other instruments, most consistently ukulele and stand-up bass. She plays and sings a wide variety of musical styles from bluegrass to blues, jazz, and swing, but her true passion is for songwriting. Krishna is looking forward to bringing her joy and passion for singing and all things musical to our youngest musicians at Walker Creek with a focus on meeting students wherever they are right now in their musical development.

Krishna has done an amazing job revitalizing our youth program and we’re happy to her back again this year!