Each hourly session consists of a 'set programme' (click here to see a sample). These are carefully planned in advance and evaluated each week. However, we encourage and actively promote the creative input and sharing of personal experiences of each child and their parent/carer. This can change the shape, direction and dynamics of the session. Within this, we aim to accommodate all children regardless of culture, language, physical ability and special needs, celebrating our individuality.
A general outline of the programme would include welcome and songs, story, craft/activity, healthy-snack time (choice of fruits and milk/water), and closing songs/musical activity.
Each week the room is dressed to provide scenery and atmosphere. We use a wide range of instruments adapted to reflect each session's theme. We encourage listening and responding to different styles of music, through live and recorded performances. Other musical activities include movement with scarves, parachute and resonance board.
In our story-telling we encourage group participation and exploration of sound. We use puppets, props, musical instruments and sign language to enhance the context.
Musical Cherubs believes in the opportunity to listen & respond to live music experiences. We use guitar, different recorders, flute, violin & viola during the sessions to add meaning & mood to the story/song time. At the end of each term we hold a celebration where a professional musician joins us to give a demonstration/performance.
The Celebration party at the end of term consists of a longer session with a bouncy castle, food (a multi-cultural buffet contributed to by the parents), live music, story session, and a seasonal craft, where seperate groups mix and socialise.
"We were new to the area and found out about Cherubs by chance and have never looked back. They pack so much fun into just an hour that my son Cole is full of excitement. Cole was a very timid child and was very reluctant to join in with other children. Thanks to the support, advice and activities at Cherubs, he is now a wonderfully confident, sociable and intelligent little boy. I'm looking forward to enrolling Jayden (younger brother) and will enjoy working with Cherubs in the near future." (Kelly)
"I found out about Cherubs through another Mum who was really emotional describing it to me: and I now know why. I have been bringing my 2 year old here every week for over a year, and it is the best structured of any group we have attended in the borough, encompassing musical participation, imaginative storytelling, and making something creative in each session. It teaches the kids to take part as a group and join in with the activity without demanding participation. It is also the only group we know with a regular following, and has built up a real community feeling. As a professional musician, it is exactly the environment I wish to expose my son to." (Nina)
"We thoroughly enjoyed Musical Cherubs. The music was fun and stimulating. The children had a healthy snack and my girls loved the crafts. We still have some of their handiwork proudly displayed. (Arucha Ekeowa)
"I've been goint to Cherubs for almost 4 years, and I really love it and my kids have a good time there.The organisers are very firendly and good with the kids.I love the music and story time, with giving the kids time to paint and play after.Our oldest son loved to see and play the Harp at the conert.We really can't wait for it to open again and enjoy our time" (Nadia Tekie)
"I've been taking my daughter to Musical Cherubs since she was 6 months old. We both enjoyed it so much; singing together, dancing, doing all other activities. It's the best quality time we could get together". (Sema Iscan)
"Musical Cherub'a kizim daha alti aylikkenqitmeze basladik. Veyasadigimiz cevrede vaktimizi em iyi gecirebilecegimiz yerler den birisi. Kizim sarki soylemekten ve dansetmekten coz zevk seviyor, bende onun bu güzel ortamda buyumesine memnuniyetle eslik ediyorum. (Sema Iscan)
"Friendly atmosphere, imaginative story-telling and a great way to get children involved in music" (Judy)
"I am sorry to hear that Musical Cherubs is not running at the moment, my son enjoyed it a lot. I hope you get funding for more sessions." (Hamra)