Grover takes his show to the classroom

By Anthony FydenPrint Story | Email Story
Popular entertainer David Grover as seen performing in concert recently. (Photo By Anthony Fyden)
Through music, we share stories, impart history, convey emotions that words cannot deliver. Through music, we validate our culture and values and instill knowledge in all of its forms. Through music, we learn. David Grover, one of the most beloved children’s musician of this generation, is stepping up his teaching role and hoping to share his gift in schools across the nation. Grover and a group of supporters have established the National Children’s Music Project, a nonprofit corporation, and have launched an effort to raise funds and reach out to schools for music-centered programming. For Grover – a nationally known performer who makes his home in the Berkshires – the project represents an expansion and a formalization of a long-time passion: teaching through music. “I’ve always thought of myself as a teacher as well as a performer,” Grover said, before a March 27 concert in Stockbridge. “But there was always a frustration [with the concerts] because of their ethereal nature.” Through the new foundation, Grover and other foundation members hope to create programming for kindergarten-age children that has a lasting educational impact. Some programming has already been developed, including material that has been a part of his repertoire for years. Other aspects are being developed specifically for the National Children’s Music Project. Over the last few years, Grover has developed the Music Project concept and has garnered support from business and educational leaders. Saturday’s concert marked its official public launch. In addition to Grover, the board of directors so far includes Gene Wenner of Pittsfield, who will serve as board president, Lisa Popik Cole of Auberndale, Jay Dubner of Scarsdale, N.Y., Benjamin Fusco of Montgomery Village, Md., Stephanie Gittleman of West Stockbridge, Matt Mervis of Great Barrington, Ming Lash of West Stockbridge, Renee Rotta of Miami Beach, Fla., and Stephanie Rothschild of Great Neck, N.Y. Wenner said he was initially contacted for advice on formation of the 501(c)3 incorporation and soon became so intrigued he remained involved and volunteered to serve as board president. Much of that had to do with Grover, he said. “I was just blown away by his skill as a musician and his skill at relating to an audience,” he said. “It’s David’s talent that really drives, that makes [the National Children’s Music Project] possible.” Now that the project has officially launched, the board faces several challenges, including bringing more board members into the fold, introducing the project to educators nationwide and, most importantly, seeking funding to maintain the program’s ambitious goals. Board member Matt Mervis, familiar with Grover’s work because “my 4-year-old just loves this stuff,” said he believes Grover’s skill and the scope of his career will propel the foundation. The board’s job, he said, will be “to find out how to build an infrastructure for this type of programming.” Mervis noted that many people, even among Grover’s fans, may not be familiar with his experience working with educators, his residencies in schools and his extensive writing and recording of “classroom-friendly” songs. “We’re all familiar with David Grover the troubadour, the performer, his concerts,” Mervis said. “But there is a whole other side to David’s career that I think people know very little about.” Once the project gets going, they should find out. And, the board hopes, through music, they will learn. So far, programming includes the following: • “We’re All Americans: Understanding Cultural Diversity,” which features live performances, workshops and residencies in public schools and distribution of audio and visual recordings. • Kindergarten Musical Curriculum, for pre-schools and kindergartens, including teachers’ guides “with an integrated approach” to lessons, audio CDs and “music minus one” CDs for use in classrooms. • “Stranger Danger,” to help teach young children awareness of strangers and safety skills through songs, concert performances in schools and integrating “Stranger Danger” materials in the school curriculum. • Community Concerts: Free live family concerts in communities across the nation, focusing on helping to share folk music with a new generation and encouraging “family time.” • “The Promise,” designed to prepare children for “taking care of their minds and bodies” through early childhood songs and messages of self-esteem. Topics include anti-drug education, depression, eating disorders and other common difficulties. • “Pass it on,” which uses music and Internet technology involving students in the “folk process” and lessons of sharing, geography and diversity. Materials include numbered CDs and lesson workbooks. The set of 25 CDs and related materials, once completed by a class, are then “passed on,” with students able to track the program’s travels across the nation, via the Internet. • “Sittin’ Around Grover’s Corner,” a double CD set of American folk tunes and a companion guidebook with song lyrics and activities. • Native American History and Culture, designed to share the history and culture of Native Americans through audio CDs and live performances, including presentations by Lakota singer-songwriter Jim Young. • American Government, teaching children about civics and government through a musical curriculum, including songs about the structure of government and an accompanying guidebook for teachers and students including song lyrics, activities and lessons.
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Friends of Great Barrington Libraries Holiday Book Sale

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Friends of Great Barrington Libraries invite the community to shop their annual Holiday Good-as-New Book Sale, happening now through the end of the year at the Mason Library, 231 Main Street. 
 
With hundreds of curated gently used books to choose from—fiction, nonfiction, children's favorites, gift-quality selections, cookbooks, and more—it's the perfect local stop for holiday gifting.
 
This year's sale is an addition to the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Stroll on this Saturday, Dec. 13, 3–8 PM. Visitors can swing by the Mason Library for early parking, browse the sale until 3:00 PM, then meet Pete the Cat on the front lawn before heading downtown for the Stroll's shopping, music, and festive eats.
 
Can't make the Holiday Stroll? The book sale is open during regular Mason Library hours throughout December.
 
Proceeds support free library programming and events for all ages.
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