by Marianne Christy
Amy Bartel, Garrett Swick, and Gwen Tracy with her daughter Keira. Photo by Gina Greco
Parents and pre-school children familiar with the local Musikgarten program taught the past 10 years by Amy Bartel of Old Forge, will have a new instructor, Gwen Tracy, when the spring session begins on April 9th.
Danielle Swick with son Garrett. Photo by Gina Greco
Bartel, a certified Musik-garten educator, first introduced the music and movement-based fants and children up to age three in the fall of 2004 at classes that were held at Niccolls Church.
Three years ago the family classes were moved to VIEW, home of the Kinderwood preschool program, when Bartel also began conducting 30-minute Musikgarten classes one day a week as part of Kinderwood’s curriculum for three and four year olds.
“I moved the program to VIEW so that I could hold the entire program in one place. I like the continuity for the children who start as babies or toddlers and then have class there as preschoolers,” Bartel said.
Bartel, who is also a classroom teacher at Kinderwood, will continue at that capacity; it’s the musical program that will now be in the hands of Tracy.
Tracy, a well known local musical talent, said she is very excited to have the opportunity to continue Bartel’s legacy of incorporating music into children’s lives—her own personal passion.
“I have always had an interest in music education and happy to have the opportunity to bring it back to our community. There is currently no youth musical theater or choir for kids—something I would love to see. This is the first step in achieving an ultimate goal,” Tracy said.
Tracy has been enrolled in online Musikgarten classes for the past couple months to earn her official certification and has worked side-by-side with Bartel during the family programs.
Aside from that, she receives constant reinforcement and practical training at home with her six-year-old twin sons Orrin and Marley and daughter Keira, 3.
“I practice songs and movements with them at home. When they go to bed at night I can hear them singing in their rooms…it’s really amazing,” she said.
“I am so glad that Gwen is interested in continuing the program. Although I have enjoyed the experience, I am seeking a new direction in my professional life. I feel ready to let someone else reap the benefits and rewards…and who better than Gwen, who we all know is a terrific musician, a wonderful mother of three, and is very excited to give Musikgarten a try,” Bartel said.
The eight-week spring session of Musikgarten begins Thursday, April 9. It is open to children ages zero to five accompanied by a family member or caregiver.
More information is available by calling Tracy at (315) 369-1035 or email:
gwenlee1@hotmail.com.
