Toddler tunes

Marisa O’Neil

Babies and toddlers get to make plenty noise at the South Coast Music

Together class through the city of Newport Beach.

And nobody minds.

Children up to 4 years old get to bang, jingle, clap, screech and

sing all they want in the interactive music class for parents and

children at Mariners Library. But sometimes even the joy of music

isn’t quite enough to keep toddlers entertained.

“This is how it goes,” teacher Julie Walehwa said as two of her

students ran around the room, curiously investigating every nook and

cranny. “That’s how they are at this age.”

Once the music got going, most of the children made their way back

to their parents’ laps in a circle on the floor. Walehwa and the

parents sang a welcome song, mentioning each child by name.

Some toddlers, like 21-month-old Benjamin Atkinson, still found

the sprinklers watering the playground outside too enticing to miss.

They watched intently for a few moments before running over and

joining the circle.

On the other hand, Kaylin Serpa, nearly 2, was more than content

to snuggle into her daddy Keith Serpa’s lap. She smiled contentedly

as he sang along to “Where is the Beehive?” and pantomimed a buzzing

hive with his hands.

Then Walehwa brought out the big guns. First there were little

maracas, perfect for shaking. Next there were scarves to toss and

drape on mommy or daddy’s head.

Lastly, there was the big bin of instruments. Bells, shakers,

tambourines and just about anything that can make a rhythm tumbled

out into the middle of the circle.

The children crowded around, selecting their favorites or, in some

cases, two. A chaotic but happy din of shaking, ringing and pounding

ensued.

The pounding is a good way for children to learn to be musical

early in life, Keith Serpa, a musician, said.

“Most adults don’t ever get to learn how to follow a melody or a

rhythm,” Serpa said.

Music Together is a research-based program based on the principal

that all people are musical, Walehwa said. It creates a “varied, rich

musical environment” designed for parents and children to

participate, even if music intimidates them.

“Everyone can sing,” she said. “I always say: ‘You’re not afraid

to talk to your kids. You shouldn’t be afraid to sing to them.’”

After the artful noise, Walehwa brought down the tone with a

soothing lullaby, as the children sat in their parents’ laps. It

worked for about 30 seconds before the more energetic toddlers took

off running again.

South Coast Music Together, a 10-week program, is being offered

again in October. For more information call, (949) 644-3151.