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May 2007
MUSIC: What Have You Done for Me Lately?
Mrs. Jo
 “Mrs. Jo! Mrs. Jo! You’ve got to tell everyone how great the ‘Drums Away’ song is!! It WORKS! Troy listened to me and put his books away when I sang, ‘Books away, books away, time to put the books away.’”
Over the past 22 years, WeJoySing parents have shared real life stories of how music has calmed a “little one’s” trouble spirit, relieved stressful parenting moments, lulled a baby into beautiful sleep, aided their child’s development, and brought sheer delight to ordinary family moments.
 It has been my blessing to be on the receiving end of these stories! So, sit back and enjoy this month’s news letter as two WeJoySing Mothers (one past, one present) share their real life stories of what WeJoySing’s music experience has “done for me (and my family) lately.”
(The following is a letter sent along with Vincent’s graduation announcement)
 Mrs. Jo,
When we came to you, Vincent was just a tiny toddler. Many years have gone by but I have fond memories of those days. I wonder if you remember how he would cry once we started to sing “Clap Clap Clap Your Hands?” You asked concerned, “Why is he crying?” I told you that he knew that was the clue that this week’s WeJoySing was over. He loved your class that much.
I know that through the years, you see many children. But I just want you to know that with this one, you made a difference.
As he grew, he learned to play violin. Now he also plays viola and French Horn. He loves music – all music. And that is due in large part to you.
You made a very big impact on a very small child and I wanted you to know that. He is now labeled “gifted” in music and is going to college in part on a music scholarship. You taught the joy of music – that is what it is all about!
Kathy, Milford Center, Ohio
(Here’s a letter from a Mom who attended ten years ago and now has a new little one)
Mrs. Jo,
Conor, who is now 12 and over 6 feet talk in the 7th grade, was first in your class about 10 years ago. Music is still very much a part of his life. He does well in school – straight A’s – and plays bassoon in his middle school band and takes private lessons. He has also had 2 years each playing violin and clarinet.
When Nora came along, the first year of her life went very fast. Last spring, when she was about 1 ½, I expressed concerns to my Mom that Nora wasn’t very verbal. I said I knew enrolling her in WeJoySing would help because she loves music and singing, but I wasn’t sure we could afford it…money was tight. My Mom, with all the wisdom of a woman who raised eight children on a very small income, said, “That’s not right. You did that for Conor. You have to do it for Nora.”
So, we did, obviously, enroll her last spring. She loved it and I saw baby step improvements in her verbal skills. When she turned 2 in September, we enrolled her again for the Fall. At her 2 year checkup, her pediatrician and I agreed that we would watch her progress in speech in 2 month increments. If it didn’t improve every 2 months, she needed a referral. That never happened because she blossomed. Though there are many words only I understand or even I have difficultly understanding, usually a person can make out what she is saying.
I give credit to her WeJoySing experiences for this improvement, or at least part of it. Music grows brain cells! Yesterday, she had her best day yet with Mrs. Andrea! She was jumping up and down and was so excited to be there! Like Conor, she’s more apt to stay in the back when other kids crowd around the teacher, but she’s still paying attention. Just thought I’d share our experiences.
Thank so much!
Michelle, Dublin, Ohio
A Note From Mrs. Jo
Music is a gift from God just waiting to be opened. Open it enthusiastically with your child. Come! Discover WeJoySing and what music can do in your family’s life!
"Sing"cerely,
Mrs. Jo
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