SOUND OF MUSIC

Campers learn about singing, keyboards, tap

BY JOSEPH MONTES def@heraldsun.com; 419-6684

The children shrieked with laughter, raising their little fists to the sky as the piano player led them in a rousing rendition of "I love you, you love me."

The song from the children's television show "Barney and Friends" was a favorite among the 14 campers with disabilities at Forest Hills Recreation Center. A few jumped out of their seats to dance.

"Everything will be all right if we make music," piano player and singing leader Leon Goldston told the group, which ranged in age from 5 to 21.

Goldston works for Walltown Children's Theatre, a group that brings music to the city parks and recreation department's Therapeutic Day Camp once a week. The $75-a-week camp introduces children with behavior, mental and verbal problems to singing, keyboard playing and tap dancing.

"Everybody needs an opportunity to explore, to hear sound, a thing of beauty," said Joseph Henderson, co-director of Walltown Children's Theatre. "Everyone needs art in their lives and a chance to create."

After the group sing-along, which also included "Happy Birthday" and "Jesus Loves Me," the children broke into groups to try out the electronic keyboards and tap shoes.

Children's helpers showed the children how to operate the keyboards. Many started pressing the keys before the instruments were even turned on.

In a room nearby, children jumped and tapped to energetic pop music. Henderson showed them how to move their feet.

Michael Proctor really let loose and clicked his heels wildly. By the end of the session, he and most of the other children were smiling and slapping Henderson high-fives. Proctor's caretaker, Desiree Cafaro, said the camp is a blessing that helps the boy release some energy.

"He's like a wind-up toy," she said. "He needs to do this."

Henderson said running the class is a challenge because he never knows how the children are going to react.

"You have to be able to move as fast as a remote control because of their attention span," he said. "You have to be much more animated and expressive as a teacher and, of course, you have to be very patient."

Goldston agreed.

Holding the children's attention is the hardest part of teaching, he said. At best, they remember a single note or learn to play a C scale. Regardless, he said teaching music to children with disabilities is worth his effort.

"I hope in some way we increase their know-how and knowledge of music," Goldston said. "Everybody feels good when they accomplish something."

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