When we were offered the chance to review a CD whose purpose was to expose children to the world of classical music in an engaging way I was thrilled. Since one of the ways to help little ones appreciate the performing arts is exposure to them and since I feel rather under-educated when it comes to classical music, I was looking forward to this album at least as much as the girls were.
Magical moments happen when interests and opportunities coincide. Sammi recently became enthralled with the story of Rapunzel and we’ve read several variations of the story. When we received Green Golly and her Golden Flute Sammi recognized Rapunzel on the cover immediately. She was definitely ready to give this album a go. In just a few days of receiving the CD we had listened to Green Golly’s story three times!
Green Golly and Her Golden Flute
The first 12 tracks are a dramatized retelling of Rapunzel (named Green Golly, for the golly good greens that in the witch’s garden did grow) along with clips of classical music woven seemlessly into the story. Keith Torgan is the narrator of the story and does an amazing job of appealing to young children. He has a grand storytelling voice and says the silliest things with such majesty that it’s hard not to be completely captivated.
Then there’s Barbara Siesel on the flute and as the voice of Green Golly. She does a marvelous job going from a newbie on the flute to an accomplished flutist. Siesel’s performance was inspiring. She’s bound to inspire children to want to create music. I want to learn to play the flute now!
One thing that sets this introduction to classical music apart from others I’ve seen is how the music is woven into a story. Each moment when a song is played highlights the meaning and feeling of that piece. My favorite feature is that the name of the composer is given for each piece. I loved that I didn’t have to keep looking to the CD case to see which song and who composed it. That info was included in the storytelling. Well done. After the story, tracks 13-22 are the complete version of each song included in the story. It’s a terrific collection of classical music for using with little ones in a variety of ways.
A final thought on the story. You’ll never believe the twist at the end! Not your typical Rapunzel ending, at all. But fitting for Green Golly, her independence and desire to see the world and perform.
Giveaway!
Keith Torgan and Barbara Siesel are excited to share a copy of Green Golly and Her Golden Flute with one BBGU reader. We are excited to host this giveaway for them and know you’ll just love this storytelling/classical music combination. The giveaway closes Monday, April 12 at 11:59 Eastern time and the winner will be announced Tuesday, April 13 and contacted via email.
Required:
- Leave a comment telling me why you think it’s important to expose children to classical music/the performing arts.
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33 Responses to “Green Golly and her Golden Flute Review and Giveaway-CLOSED”
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I think it’s important to expose children to classical music to help them develop their sensibilities–so that they can learn to appreciate really good and beautiful things. In general, I think it is important to expose children to music and other creative works to help spark their natural creativity. They will be able to have a more fulfilling life if they find ways to express their natural creativity.
I am a fan of BBGU on Facebook.
I posted about the giveaway on Facebook.
I was raised with classical music and I think that exposure to it is somewhat similar to exposing our children to all the “classics”. It is a basis for our present culture, whether we consciously are aware of it or not. In addition, I think small children have an amazing ability to pick up on the beauty and complexity of classical music, but that receptiveness is quickly lost (even by age 6 or 7) and early exposure helps to create the brain pathways that will maintain the receptiveness throughout their lifetimes. And the more accepting and open a person is to various different influences as an adult, the better, right?
I think it is important to expose our children to classical music because it helps to develop their creativity and shows them that expressing themselves through creative arts is important.
I think that children are amazing! Children have an incredible ablility to learn through music. It’s fun to see the immediate response they have to music. They can be totally oblivious to what is happening in a room and once the music is played, their attentions are there. I would love this! Please pick me:)
I think classical music is important because it is a wonderful way to express feeling without the use of words (opera of course does have words, but the emphasis is still on feeling over individual lyrics) – and it’s a fantastic way to teach melody.
I subscribe =)
I love the model of a classical education that includes a lot of study of good art, music included. I think it is very important that kids be exposed to classical music as a way of expression and just because it is quality stuff.
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I just posted on facebook.
I believe it is important to expose children to classical music at a young age so that it establishes a starting point and hopefully a life long appreciation for good music and a creative outlet.
maureenruble@yahoo.com
Exposing children to classical music at a very early age is important these days because otherwise they may never hear it.
[...] Musical Development « Green Golly and her Golden Flute Review and Giveaway [...]
I think it’s very important because it makes kids more cultured, and once they are introduced to it they will probably listen to it their whole lives. We have such a rich legacy of classical music it’s important to share it and pass it on to the next generation.
I am a single. A father and mother to my son. I am amazed how my 6 month old responds to music. Whether it is country or rock it will mesmerize him. I am also a big classical and symphonic listener and my boys ability to listen to Hans Zimmer or Beethoven’s music is incredible. If my boy cries, I pick him up and we listen to music!!! It is the UNIVERSAL language.
Music is like reading… it’s important to let children listen to it early so that they appreciate it and learn to incorporate it into their life.
This looks great! I think it’s important to expose kids to musical (especially classical) because it’s wonderful for their brain development.
Posted about your giveaway on Facebook
i helps them to learn culturall and knowledgably, and puts a seed in their minds of this type of great artful music
mverno@roadrunner.com
Children need to be exposed to all kinds of music to let them know that it ok for them to like and enjoy things that other people say that they dislike
I think it is important to expose kids to classical music and the performing arts in hopes that later on they will appreciate GOOD music and hopefully not ever listen to rap! lol Seriously, though, exposure to music has been proven to have positive mental and physical effects on children.
I think it’s important to expose children to classical music and performing arts because it’s something that they are not exposed to often. I love trying new things and I encourage my children to experience new things.
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I love what classical music offers my children culturally as it expands their experience with the world while introducing them to quality and skillful music.
It was beneficial to my oldest daughter. She has taken up piano and stage acting.
I’ve read studies that show how beneficial it is to babies/toddlers brain development, particularly in the area of math. Plus I just love classical music and can’t wait to introduce it!! Thanks.
I think it is an important part of a cultural education – and an introduction to great joy in our hectic noisy world
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It is important to get a taste for all of the arts!