A MOO-SICAL feast aimed at helping children’s development is expanding its reach to even more Wirral youngsters after a whirlwind success over the last six months.
The all-singing, all-dancing Moo Music sessions launched at various venues across Wirral in February and have become a weekly highlight for many pre-school children.
Moo Music session at Hoylake Community Centre. Picture by Geoff Davies.
With 100 specially-composed songs, dancing, games and original characters by the designer of iconic children’s shows such as Bod and The Flumps, word about Moo Music has spread fast.
Class leader Lindsey Darker said she is thrilled that the sessions have taken off so quickly, with even more classes starting next week.
“We’ve had such a fantastic response to the classes and it’s wonderful to see the children – and their mums and dad – having such fun.
“Even the quietest children have been singing and dancing after a week or two. Sharing music is a great way to boost confidence.”
Moo Music features four original characters - Maggie Moo, Ollie Oink, Henry Horse and Doris Duck - each with their own repertoire of 25 original songs by well-known children's songwriter Craig McLeish, who has also worked on hit West End shows like Les Miserables and Miss Saigon as well as many television favourites.
The songs have been recorded by professional singers and musicians and a team of primary education experts has been involved every step of the say.
The wonderful characters are the work of renowned artist Alan Rogers, whose other credits include Pigeon Street and Rub-A-Dub-Dub.
"Music is very important to children's development," added Lindsey.
"Each class is cleverly designed to develop vital language, memory and co-ordination skills while the little ones have a whale of a time."
Each session features a selection of Moo Music songs with a wide range of themes and children get the chance to sing, dance, play games, take part in messy play, learn actions and experiment with percussion instruments.
Moo Music session at Hoylake Community Centre. Picture by Geoff Davies.
Lindsey added: “Moo music is more than just a music class - I am a performing arts teacher so theme each lesson and treat it as a mini production with storytelling, dressing up and imaginative role play alongside the usual musical activities such as using instruments or signing to songs.
“The classes are aimed at up to five-year-olds and there is something in them for little ones of all ages making them the perfect class to bring siblings too.
“I am launching Baby Moo classes which are a bit more relaxed and baby focused. The 100 original songs introduce the children to many areas of the early years curriculum as well as being a bit different to the well known nursery rhymes.”
The first class is free.
Classes are held at various times and locations, including Church Farm in Thurstaston, Hoylake Community Centre, Cafe Nest, Mothercare in Bromborough and – new from next week – St Andrew’s Church in Meols.
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For more information about Moo Music weekly classes, email Lindsey@moo-music.co.uk or through the Facebook page Moo Music Wirral West & South.
- You can also take a sneak peak at Moo Music by visiting moo-music.co.uk
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