The document provides details about the 28th Annual Children's Music Network International Conference taking place from October 16-18. It thanks the volunteers and organizers who helped plan the conference and lists the schedule of events, including workshops, meals, meetings, and activities. The schedule provides timing, locations, and descriptions for workshops and special events occurring over the three days of the conference.

2. CMN’s Board of Director wishes everyone a
joyful, music-filled conference in 2015.
We especially want to thank CMN members
Candy Heitner and Anna Stange
for volunteering to organize this year’s conference,
and Jane Arsham, our Administrative Director,
for her ever-present guidance!
CMN Board of Directors
Ellen Allard - Liz Benjamin
Katherine Dines - Lisa Heintz
Diana Kane - David Heitler-Klevans
Susan Salidor - Tim Seston
Kim Wallach - Andy Zamenes
Outgoing Board Members
Amy Conley - Anna Stange

3. We have opened the circle and welcome each and every one of you with open hearts. We’re so glad that
you’re here with us at the 28th Annual Children’s Music Network International Conference! We want
you to feel at home, so please look through the logistics page, and if you have any questions or needs
that aren’t addressed, contact either of the conference co-chairs, Anna Stange (630-660-1156) and
Candy Heitner (773-746-1840), or our Administrative Director, Jane Arsham (339-707-0277).
A huge THANK YOU to all of the amazing people who shared their time and talents to help make
this year’s conference a great experience:
Candy Heitner Anna Stange Jane Arsham
Sammie Haynes & Candy Heitner, Workshop Coordinators
All of our Workshop Presenters
Carole Stephens, Midwest Regional Representative, for her advice and coordinating regional events.
Craig Battey, Program Book Layout
Bonnie Lockhart, Carole Stephens, Gari Stein, & Lin Boyle, Marketing, Outreach and PR
Diana Kane,Travel Coordinator
Liz Hannan, Buddy Matching & Welcomer
Bruce O’Brien, Mentor Program Coordinator
Kathy Reid-Naiman & Joanie Calem, Sales Area Coordinators
Kristin Lems, Continuing Education Credits
Alina Celeste, Social Media & PR
Susan Salidor, Silent Auction, Sue Nierman, Glad Rags, with assistance from Fran McKinney
Joanie Calem, Jenny Heitler-Klevans, & Tom Pease, Magic Penny Committee
Gordon Bok, an incredibly talented artist, Magic Penny Award
Jenny & David Heitler-Klevans, Pete Seeger Magic Penny Ceremony
Tina Stone, Round Robin coordinator
Tom Pease, Carole Stephens, Bob Gronko, Wiley & Debbie Rankin, Sound Systems
Jane Arsham, Dave Orleans, Mara Sapon-Shevin, & Katherine Dines, Early Morning Exercises
Patricia Shih, Jacki Breger, Liz Buchanan, Lisa Heintz, & Carole Stephens, Keynote Committee
Lisa Heintz, Anna Stange, & Jane Arsham, Conference Scholarship Committee
Bonnie Lockhart, Paper Song Swap
Brigid Finucane, Ginger Lazarus, Kayte Deioma, Photography
Nancy Hershatter, Sarah Pirtle, Mara Sapon-Shevin, Welcome Circles
Robin Nelson, Square Dance caller
Suzanne Heitner, Childcare
CMN Board of Directors
Page 2
Welcome!

4. For New Members or First Timers at a CMN Conference: We have“Newcomers’Circles”on Friday 5:00–6:00 pm and on
Saturday 8:30–9:00 am. Several longtime CMN members will be there to welcome you, answer questions, and lead some
fun songs and activities. Location is indicated on the General Conference Schedule.
Buddies: For anyone interested, we pair a first-time conference attendee with a long-time conference attendee, so you can
get the lowdown on CMN and the conference right away. It’s a great way to make friends and get acquainted with CMN.
If you would like a buddy and did not sign up for one when you registered, please see the registration desk.
Meals: Meals will be held in the main dining room at the times posted in the General Conference Schedule.
Annual Meeting: Our Annual Meeting is held on Saturday, directly following lunch, 12:45–1:30 pm in the dining area
over dessert. It is open to all and we encourage you to attend. It is a great way to learn about CMN and contribute your
thoughts. And we sing and laugh our way through the meeting as well!
Regional Meetings: Our regional meetings will take place during Saturday morning breakfast.This is an opportunity for
brand-new members and seasoned conference attendees to get together with people from their general area, meet their
reps, talk about what’s happening in their area, and eat a great breakfast together!
Regional Reps Meeting: Regional reps will meet, as per tradition, during Saturday lunch. See David Heitler-Klevans if
you have any questions.
Conference Central: A ride and non-CMN activity board will remain at the registration area throughout the conference.
Check it out or post ideas.
Documentation permission: Please ask presenters and other participants for permission before recording presentations
and workshops. All recordings of any type are for your personal use only and may not be reproduced for distribution in
any form, including public access websites and other electronic means. Session handouts will be available on the Members
website.
Paper Song Swap: Do you have an original song to swap with other artists at the conference? Here’s your chance to be
part of the sharing that makes CMN so great! If you brought along copies of your song, place them in the designated
Paper Song Swap box in the Sales area.Then browse through other songs available for swapping and grab a copy of a new
song to take home.
Refrigeration: If you need items refrigerated (medication, special diet foods, etc.), let us know and we’ll make
arrangements.
Sales Area, Silent Auction, and Glad Rags: We encourage you to visit the Sales/Silent Auction area whenever you get
a chance, and don’t be shy about making a bid or a purchase! Glad Rags are gently used clothes that are all on sale for $5
each.
Childcare: Suzanne Heitner will be our childcare provider this year. Suzanne has 15 years of experience as a professional
provider caring for small children. Under Suzanne’s care children will have the opportunity to play games, and do crafts.
Childcare will be provided during all Saturday and Sunday workshop times. If you plan to take advantage of this please
also plan to spend one hour assisting Suzanne. You may sign up for childcare in Marquette.
Emergency Number: Cell phones will be in the “off ” mode during all workshops, special events, and Round Robins. If
there is an emergency and someone needs to reach you when you are not available, have them:
1. Contact the Front Desk of the Illinois Beach Resort & Conference Center
(847-625-7300) and have them locate Jane Arsham.
2. If no answer, text Jane Arsham directly (774-454-0001).
Page 3
LOGISTICS

5. Friday, October 16 Workshop Location
7:30-8:15 am Yoga Grand Vista
2:00-4:00 pm Corrido Workshop with Juan Dies, open to the public Grand Vista
4:00 pm General Conference Registration Opens Lobby
5:00-6:00 pm Newcomers Circle and/or meet and greet and cash bar Marquette/ Grand Vista
6:00-7:30 pm Dinner, bar closed Illinois-Lincoln
7:30-9:00 pm Welcome program and square dance Grand Vista
9:15-10:30 pm Round Robin, Part 1, cash bar open Grand Vista
10:30-12:00 am Bonfire on beach and late night jamming Pit #2 South
Saturday, October 17
7:30-9:00 am Breakfast Lincoln-Wisconsin
7:00-7:45 am Yoga Lakeview
7:30-8:15 am Early morning walkers, weather permitting Lobby
8:00-9:30 am Day registration open Lobby
8:00-9:00 am Newcomers Circle, drop-in Illinois
9:15-10:30 am Workshops Session 1 Workshops Schedule
10:45-11:45 am Keynote Presentation: “Why Words Matter” Stuart Stotts Grand Vista
12:00-1:30 pm Lunch and annual meeting (dessert) Lincoln
2:00-3:15 pm Workshops Session II (see Workshop Schedule for Details) Workshop Schedule
3:30-4:45 pm Workshops Session III (see Workshop Schedule for Details) Workshop Schedule
5:00-6:30 pm Dinner Lincoln
6:45-7:45 pm Mentoring and networking; cash bar open through 11:00 pm Grand Vista
8:00 pm Silent auction closed Grand Vista Patio
8:00-11:00 pm Round Robin, Part 2, cash bar open Grand Vista
11:00 pm-? Late night jamming Grand Vista
Sunday, October 18
7:00-9:00 am Breakfast Lincoln
7:30-8:15 am QiGong/early morning walkers, weather permitting Lakeview/Lobby
9:00-10:15 am Workshops Session IV Workshop Schedule
10:30-12:00 pm Magic Penny Ceremony honoring Pete Seeger Grand Vista
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch Lincoln
1:15-2:30 pm Closing Circle Grand Vista
Page 4
GENERAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

6. Page 5
Continued on next page...
Lakeview Grand Vista IndianaMichigan Illinois
Lakeview Illinois MichiganGrand Vista Indiana
WORKSHOPS AT A GLANCE

7. ...continued from previous page.
Page 6
Lakeview Indiana Grand VistaMichigan Illinois
Lakeview Illinois MarquetteIndiana Michigan
WORKSHOPS AT A GLANCE

8. Friday, 7:30 am-8:15 am
Wake Up Yoga with Katherine Dines Grand Vista
Come experience joy, freedom, play, and connection in this combination of dance, gentle yoga, breath work,
and moving meditation, all done to wonderful world music and songs from CMNers.This program is open to
all. No dance or yoga experience necessary, and modifications for any physical limitations will be offered. Both
adults and children are welcome. Warning: participating in this workshop may cause bliss.
Friday, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Corridos: MexicanTragic Ballad Songwriting Workshop”with Juan Díes,co-founder Sones de México Ensemble Grand Vista
Learn to write an authentic Mexican “corrido” in this free, two-hour workshop taught in English with some
musical examples in Spanish.The workshop will be led by​ethnomusicologist Juan Díes, co-founder of the
GRAMMY™ Nominated Sones de México Ensemble. By the end of this workshop each group will have
written an original song in a corrido form.The corrido is a 150-year-old Mexican ballad tradition that narrates
tragic tales based on true events and honors folk heroes. Learn about the history of this tradition and the rules
for writing the poetic lyrics of these captivating songs. Learn how to use corrido songwriting with children in
the classroom.They work very well in history, theater, and writing programs.This workshop is open to adults,
children, and families.
This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Friday, 7:30 pm-9:00 pm
Welcome Program and Square Dance with Robin Nelson, Caller Grand Vista
Join us for this jubilant celebration and start to the conference. Jump right in and join the band or join the danc-
ers for an all-ages, Midwestern traditional square dance. No previous dance experience necessary. If you’d like to
join the band, contact annastange@yahoo.com for the tunes. Robin Nelson strives to help build connections and
create a joyful community wherever people gather—either on the dance floor or to raise voices in song! She has
over 30 years of experience leading singing and traditional dance for people of all ages and abilities. Robin has
been delighted to recently begin a new adventure teaching music at Montessori preschools in the Twin Cities
metro area.
Friday, 10:30 pm-midnight
Beachside Bonfire and Late-night Singing and Jamming Pit #2
Nothing says fall in the Midwest like a cheery, beachside bonfire.There will be cement benches not hay bales
to sit on so bring a beach towel to warm the seat if you wish, and a jacket in case it’s chilly. Weather permitting;
wear comfortable shoes for the short walk to the bonfire. Be prepared for spontaneous singing and friendly fire-
side chatting. Jamming will happen in Grand Vista and Lobby.
Saturday, 7:00 am-7:45 am
Let Your Yoga Dance with Mara Sapon-Shevin Lakeview
Come experience joy, freedom, play, and connection in this combination of dance, gentle yoga, breath work, and
moving meditation, all done to wonderful world music and songs from CMNers.This program is open to all.
No dance or yoga experience necessary, and modifications for any physical limitations will be offered. Both adults
and children are welcome. Warning: participating in this workshop may cause bliss.
Page 7
Continued on next page...
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

9. Saturday, 7:30 am-8:15 am
Nature Walk with Dave Orleans
Follow the nature trails in the park for a pleasant, refreshing start to your day’s activities. Weather permitting;
wear comfortable shoes. All ages. Meet in the Lobby.
Sunday, 7:30 am-8:15 am
QiGong with Jane Arsham Lakeview
Qigong,qi gong,chi kung,or chi gung is a practice of aligning body,breath,and mind for health,meditation,and
martial arts training.With roots in Chinese medicine,philosophy,and martial arts,Qigong is traditionally viewed as a
practice to cultivate and balance qi (chi) or what has been translated as “life energy”.Qigong practice typically involves
moving meditation,coordinating slow flowing movement,deep rhythmic breathing,and calm meditative state of mind.
Jane Arsham has been studying Tai Chi and Chi Kung for over 20 years. She holds certifications to teach the
Yang style short (27) and Long (113) forms and Yi Chuan Chi Kung as taught by Master Arthur Goodridge.
She currently teaches five Tai Chi classes/week for people living with Parkinson’s disease and seniors living in
the greater Boston area.
Sunday, 7:30 am-8:15 am
Nature Walk with Dave Orleans
Follow the nature trails in the park for a pleasant, refreshing start to your day’s activities. Weather permitting;
wear comfortable shoes. All ages. Meet in the Lobby.
Page 8
...continued from previous page.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

10. The Magic Penny Award, named after the song by Malvina
Reynolds, is a Children’s Music Network tribute to people in
our community who have dedicated their lives to empowering
children through music.Who better exemplified the spirit of
this award through his long and illustrious lifetime than Pete
Seeger?
Pete Seeger was a strong advocate of the Children’s Music
Network. He attended several conferences, gave keynotes, and
participated in the programs. In 2004 he donated money to
CMN’s scholarship fund to support diversity and help people
attend who otherwise might not be able to afford the confer-
ence.Today, the fund is called the Pete Seeger Scholarship
Fund, and many people have benefitted from his generosity.
Pete Seeger died on January 27, 2014 at the age of 94.We are
grateful for his untiring work on behalf of children, civil rights,
peace, and the environment, and for spreading his love of sing-
ing to many generations.We wish he could be here with us, but
with his daughter,Tinya; the many CMNers who knew Pete
personally; and the work of Jenny and David Heitler-Klevans,
who spent many hours assembling this tribute, we feel that Pete
will definitely be with us in spirit.
Page 9
Pete Seeger
Stuart Stotts
KEYNOTEPRESENTATION&MAGICPENNY TRIBUTE
We are so pleased that Stuart Stotts accepted our invitation
to prepare a Keynote presentation for us this year. We are
confident that you will leave inspired as he shares his life
experience during this hour.
Stuart is a songwriter, performer, clinician, and author of six
books, including We Shall Overcome: A Song That Changed the
World, which was an ALA honor book. His songs have been
recorded by many other artists and can also be heard on his
nine recordings. Stuart is a Kennedy Center teaching artist and
leads professional development for teachers around the world.
He is interested in what brain research tells us about the power
of music and creativity in learning and relationship building.
A familiar face to regular conference attendees, Stuart has been
a CMN member since it was founded 28 years ago.His interest
in how music builds community and connection has led to his
newest project, Beyond Nice, an exploration of activities and
approaches for nurturing kindness in young children.

11. SINGING AND DANCING ON THE PLAYGROUND
Liz Benjamin - Interactive Workshop Ages 3 and up Lakeview, Saturday, 9:15 am
This participatory workshop will offer very simple,easy-to-memorize songs with movements.
Children can learn them and lead/play them on the playground or at home.These are often
called Play Party Games.No instruments needed.Children are encouraged to attend.
Handouts and references provided.Liz Benjamin has been a member of CMN since 1991
and is currently the president of the Board of Directors. She loves “Play Party Games.” Liz
loves singing and moving at the same time and loves working with children and adults. She
creates joy and laughter as participants experience and learn together.
OUR MANY COLORS OF LEARNING:MUSIC,BOOKS,ART,
AND MOVEMENTTO ENGAGE ALL CHILDREN
Fran McKinney and Josh Calhoun - Presentation/Class Ages 3-7 Lakeview, Saturday, 2:00 pm
Young children learn in a variety of ways. Indeed, we all do! This workshop will demonstrate
songs, movement activities, books, visuals, instruments, and art activities that can promote
development for young children with learning and/or social challenges.The session will be
active as well as interactive,providing an opportunity for comments and ideas from participants.
Fran McKinney taught Early Childhood students with learning challenges for 30 years.
She discovered the benefits of linking music and movement to literacy, math, language, and
social skills to engage all learners. Fran created songs and illustrated books to enhance these
early connections. She now shares this approach with preschool teachers through workshops
in the Midwest and teaches preschool music at the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum.
Josh Calhoun holds a Master’s Degree and teaches elementary art in Oshkosh, WI.
Josh uses music in his classroom by creating spontaneous songs that students sing while they
work.These songs are collaborative creations developed with help from students. Movement
is also incorporated in the songs. Josh was a Kerrville Folk Festival Newfolk Finalist and has
two recordings.
DANCING FEET!
Carole Peterson Stephens - Interactive Workshop Ages 2-8 Lakeview, Saturday, 3:30 pm
Young children need to move to keep their bodies and brains growing healthfully. Orga-
nized dancing promotes pattern, rhythm and sequence – early literacy skills made easy!
Ready to mix it up with individual, circle and partner style dances? How do you use manip-
ulatives safely? How do you encourage children to jump and twirl without “losing control?”
Miss Carole has answers! Twinkle Toes and Stumble Bunnies are welcome!
Carole Stephens holds a BS in musical theater and has acted in shows in Chicago and
New York and hosted a nightly TV show. She created music classes to meet the needs of her
two children in 1989 as MACARONI SOUP, and has provided musical entertainment and
education for children 1-10 years old ever since. She presents concerts and workshops
internationally. Carole’s 8 recordings have won 19 awards.
Page 10
Continued on next page...
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS & PRESENTER BIOS
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT

12. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS & PRESENTER BIOS
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
STORIES WITH MUSIC AND MOVEMENT: WE’RE CONNECTED
Oba William King - Interactive Workshop Older children who are storytellers
Lakeview, Sunday, 9:00 am
Designed to demonstrate Oba’s methods used to capture the students’ attention through
storytelling, poetry, and song, this workshop will celebrate literary arts and offer attendees
encouragement to use rhythm and rhyme. Oba will share his style and participants confirm
and swap best methods. Oba William King is known for his ability to ignite and capture the
audience’s attention, gently releasing them into the playful realm of rhythm and rhyme. He
masterfully combines professional theatrical training with a distinct poetic style. An enter-
taining educator sharing the traditional art form of storytelling, as a sacred gift.
www.ilvmyppl.com www.obawilliamking.com
Page 11
...continued from previous page.

13. MUSICALS WITH A MESSAGE: FOSTERING EMPATHY AND ACCEPTANCE
AndreaGreen - Presentation/Class Ages 6-16 Grand Vista,Saturday,9:15 am
Andrea will show her film,On the Other Side of the Fence,and actively engage participants in the musi-
cal process as she shares her experiences of working with diverse groups of children.She will demon-
strate how this unique approach brings children together no matter what their background or level of
ability.Participants will gather inspiration and the tools necessary to create a musical on their own.
AndreaGreen is a musician,composer/playwright,director,and music therapist internationally
known for her Broadway-style musicals for children that encourage communication,understanding,
and acceptance.Her work is the subject of the documentaries On the Other Side of the Fence and The
Return of Halley’s Comet.
OPENING THE CIRCLE TO ALL: MUSICAL AND MOVEMENT ACTIVITIES
THAT CHALLENGE EXCLUSION
MaraSapon-Shevin - Interactive Workshop Preschool and up Illinois,Saturday,2:00 pm
Rather than focusing on anti-bullying,we must build a positive,inclusive environment for all kids by
supporting positive interactions among students.This workshop involves participants in musical and
movement activities that are interactive and inclusive,and enables students of all levels and abilities to
have fun with one another and build positive connections.
MaraSapon-Shevin has been developing and leading workshops on countering isolation and
exclusion and building inclusive learning environments for many years.She is very involved with
working against bullying and teaching students to be active upstanders in the face of ill-treatment.
She focuses on working with very heterogeneous groups through music and movement.
BABIES AND GRANDS: MAKING MEMORIESTHROUGH MUSICAL CONNECTIONS
NancyHershatterandJennyMurphy - Presentation/Class Indiana,Saturday,3:30 pm
Nancy and Jenny will share their experiences leading intergenerational music sessions in a senior living
setting and present a blueprint for others who would like to start similar programs in other parts of the
country.This workshop will also be helpful to those interested in creating intergenerational programs.
NancyHershatter has been an early childhood music specialist since 1992 and a member of CMN
since 1993.She has also been performing for older adults over the last four years.The seed for Music,
Memory,and Connection grew from these two parallel experiences.Recalling her own special
memories of elders in her childhood,singer-songwriter JennyMurphy founded Babies & Grands
Music,LLC in 2012.These music and movement classes engage young and old,fostering meaning-
ful friendships with an abundance of love and nurture from attending “Grands.”
A BILINGUAL (SP/ENG) CULTURAL JOURNEY FOR GRADES 2–5 AND FAMILIES
SuniPaz - Presentation/Class Grades 2-5 Illinois,Sunday,9:00 am
In this workshop,former Magic Penny recipient Suni Paz will share with participants rhythms,
legends,little dances,and stories through interactive bilingual songs.SuniPaz is an upbeat singer,
songwriter,author,full of love and life. Her songs have something to say to anyone looking for con-
tent,culture,or pure joy. She uses rhythms from all of Latin America.A CD entitled Poesia EresTú
with her music has just been released.
Page 12
OPEN THE CIRCLE

14. THE MOUNTAIN DULCIMER:TEACHING CHILDREN TO PLAY
Mike Anderson - Interactive Workshop Michigan, Saturday, 9:15 am
Always wanted to try the dulcimer? Here’s your opportunity! Join Mike Anderson and learn to
play the dulcimer using the same techniques he uses with kids, giving teaching tips as you progress.
Traditional melody and notes will also be addressed. No experience necessary. Anyone who is going
to this workshop should bring a mountain dulcimer. Also anyone who has a dulcimer and is will-
ing to loan it out for the workshop, please bring it to the conference. Mike Anderson is nationally
renowned, appearing at the National Mountain Music Festival, holding a prestigious position on
the faculty of the Mountain Dulcimer Workshops at Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, and
West Carolina University, NC, Dulicmerville, and the Illinois Mountain Dulcimer Weekend. He
also presents workshops across the United States.
LITTLE VOICES IN MY HEAD: SONGS AND STRATEGIES FOR
THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOM
Susan Salidor - Presentation/Class Grand Vista, Saturday, 2:00 pm
Music specialist/songwriter Susan Salidor will share her insights on choosing/teaching the most
effective songs, dances, and fingerplays for the early childhood classroom. Susan will share informa-
tion regarding best instruments/props for preschoolers; how music can teach almost anything; and
how CMN, its members, and their music continue to inform her works as an educator/performer.
Susan Salidor is a Chicago-based singer, songwriter, and preschool music specialist who enjoys a
full calendar of classes, concerts, and teacher workshops. Her award-winning recordings for children
and their families contain songs used in schools from coast to coast and throughout Europe and
Asia. Susan has been a member of CMN for over 10 years and has served on its Board of Directors
for the past four.
SING IT OUT! NEW SONGWRITING CURRICULUM FOR ELEMENTARY
Mark Pagano - Presentation/Class Elementary age Michigan, Saturday 3:30 pm
Mark will present a songwriting curriculum that he has developed over the past two years for St. Louis
Public Schools. Students work in small groups to explore how rhythm and melody reinforce learn-
ing. He will bring examples of songs written through this program. As a songwriter, performer, and
teaching artist based in St. Louis, MO, Mark Pagano has conducted songwriting workshops with
young people in a variety of settings since 2003. Most recently he was hired by Springboard to develop
a songwriting curriculum, which has been well received in St. Louis public schools. He is currently
involved in training musicians to help implement the program throughout the city and county schools.
ONE FINGER ONE THUMB KEEP MOVING
Kathy Reid-Naiman - Interactive Workshop Indiana, Sunday, 9:00 am
The benefits of fingerplays for children have been known for a long time, but this will address the
benefits for the teacher. Kathy will share some original fingerplays with gentle movements that can
be used with exercises for arthritic fingers and will help us keep our fingers moving! Please bring your
ideas—old or new! Kathy Reid-Naiman is an early childhood music and movement specialist who
has been sharing her love of language with children ages six months to five years since 1982. Based in
Ontario, Canada, Kathy teaches in libraries and schools throughout the province. Her playful tunes
illustrate important literacy skills such as phonological awareness, rhythm, and patterns of language.
Page 13
MUSIC FOR TEACHING

15. UNCOMMON KNOWLEDGE: RECENT RESEARCH FINDINGS THAT
IMPACT HOW WE CREATE AND PRESENT MUSIC FOR CHILDREN
Kayte Deioma - Interactive Discussion Indiana, Saturday, 9:15 am
Often as creators and performers of music for kids, we instinctively do what’s best for them.
Some recent research findings back up what we’ve been doing all along. Other studies show that
some developing practices are counterproductive and even harmful.This panel will present the
latest research that impacts children’s music. Kayte Deioma,AKA Auntie Kayte, is a children’s
singer/songwriter, photographer, and journalist with a master’s and half a PhD in Commu-
nications Research and Theory. She is an acknowledged research geek who likes to back up
inspiration with empirical evidence.
THE FIXIT SHOP FOR SONGS WITH UNCLE RUTHIE
Uncle Ruthie Buell - Interactive Workshop Older children Michigan, Saturday, 2:00 pm
Participants bring just one song (lyrics and, preferably, also music) that they are working on
and having trouble with: they’re stuck, need help with lyrics or tune, need more verses or
fewer—in short, a song that they want to make better. Participants must be brave enough to
perhaps just abandon the song and start a new one. People coming to this workshop need
to bring 20 copies of their song. Uncle Ruthie Buell is a longtime CMN member, the 2010
Magic Penny Award recipient, and has received numerous awards including second place in
the 2011 Parents Choice Awards for her recording, “The Jacaranda Tree.” She’s a singer-song-
writer, music teacher at a school for blind children, radio broadcaster, storyteller, and poet.
Her poetry book is called Come to My Voice.
BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE: RECORDING A TO Z
James Coffey - Presentation/Class Grand Vista, Saturday, 3:30 pm
An overview of recording “must know” subjects, including what is needed to make a great
recording, the process, mixing and mastering tips, and terminology to help in communication.
All topics will interest novice and pro alike with extensive opportunity for Q & A.
James Coffey, BME, M.Ed, is a recording artist and music producer who’s been featured on
over 900 children’s products sold worldwide under brand names Disney, Nickelodeon,
Scholastic, and Sesame Street. James produces music for many family artists, earning over
30 national awards including Parents’ Choice, iParenting, and Gold NAPPA.
STORY AS STRATEGY: A MARKETING WORKSHOP
Alina Celeste and Jessica “Culture Queen” Smith - Presentation/Class
Tweens and teens Marquette, Sunday, 9:00 am
In this workshop, Social Media Director Alina Celeste, and Culture Queen Jessica Smith
will discuss branding in the age of social media and how to craft your image and story to help
you achieve your business goals.They will present easy, simple tips to help you streamline
your look and your message. Alina Celeste is a teaching artist and internationally touring
family musician. She’s also a writer, editor, media producer, YouTuber, and our CMN blog
editor. When she’s not doing those things, she’s reading YA and eating pizza. www.alinace-
leste.com. Jessica “Culture Queen” Smith is the master teaching artist of Culture Kingdom
Kids, where she creates fun, cultural experiences for your royal children. Jessica has produced
innovative and engaging social studies–themed performances and workshops for primary
schools to Yale University as well as the National Children’s Museum and the Smithsonian.
Page 14
BUSINESS/PROFESSIONALTRACK

16. PREK SONG SWAP – Liz Hannan Ages 2-6 Illinois, Saturday, 9:15 am
The PreK song swap will give each participant a chance to shine—FOR THREE MINUTES!
Bring your best/favorite/original/traditional song/singer play/dance appropriate for the five and
under crowd to share with the group. Moderator will follow up via e-mail to collect song
lyrics/chords/directions/etc. to share with participants post-conference. Come to this workshop to
understand what the “network”in CMN really means. Liz Hannan welcomes and introduces new
members on our CMN listserv. She presents circles of music for children 2-6 years in Montes-
sori preschools on the San Francisco Peninsula and has created original programs for Montessori
classrooms. Liz has presented workshops for CMN and the Bay Area Montessori Association.
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR SONG?
Tim Seston All ages Indiana, Saturday, 2:00 pm
Come share a personal story and a song.This is a networking swap in which participants offer
stories that provide deeper meaning to their songs. By doing so we connect with each other and
open up our circles. Ideally participants will pre-plan their song and story and write up a bio that
can be shared at the song swap session but also with the full community. Participants can make
the most of this workshop by sharing their song and connecting story in advance by e-mailing
Tim at tim@frompagetoplay.com. Tim Seston is “Here to Play” and “Wake the Imagination”
with songs and stories that show children of all ages what fun it is to pretend, laugh, and play. He
is a music teacher, science teacher, athlete, coach, songwriter, performer, and parent with a lifelong
interest in understanding group dynamics.Tim is a CMN Board member and New England
Regional Rep.
OPEN THE CIRCLE: MULTICULTURAL SONG SWAP
Frank Hernandez All ages Illinois, Saturday, 3:30 pm
Welcome to the circle of inclusion, acceptance, and harmony. Bring your favorite multicultural
inclusive song, a song of welcome, or a community-building song to swap. We’ll start by learn-
ing “Open the Circle” in Spanish, Italian, ASL, and English, then we’ll open the circle and invite
participants to share their most welcoming song. Frank Hernandez is a past president of CMN.
He immigrated to the United States as a child in the late ‘80s. He’s an ordained Pastor and leads
Youth and Worship at Enchanted Hills Baptist Church in Tucson, AZ. For the last 18 years he
has been the Assistant Director at Arts for All, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide accessible
education, training, and experiences in the arts to children, primarily those with special needs.
IMPROVISATIONAL CIRCLESONGS - Valerie Leonhart Smalkin
Older children – *THIS IS NOT A SONG SWAP! Michigan, Sunday, 9:00 am
Improvisational CircleSinging is, at its heart, like a conversation.The simple structure of this
technique frees participants to unselfconsciously explore rhythm, motif, melody, and harmony.
The presenter starts the conversation with an original bass line, or “anchor,” then as soon as pos-
sible hands the conversation over to willing participants who will add more parts to the mix.
Ventriloquist, musician, composer, and writer Val Smalkin has spent over 40 years honing her
improvisational music techniques as both a jazz singer and a children’s performer. Her latest
work, Springtime Dance, took Gold in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for books with
music. Be prepared to let loose and have fun.
Page 15
SONG SWAPS AND MORE

17. Page 16
SALES AND SILENT AUCTION- Grand Vista Patio

18. ROUND ROBIN
Page 17

19. Page 18
Sustaining Donors Sustaining Donors (cont) Business Sponsors
Liz Benjamin Sally Rogers Growing Sound
Debbie Block & Bill Harley Susan Salidor Hunkta-Bunkta
Dale Allen Boland Mara Sapon-Shevin Antelope Dance
Liz Buchanan Nancy Silber Lyrical Learning
Joanie & Doug Calem Anna Stange Silly Goose & Val
Amy Conley Carole Stephens Kathy Byers
Katherine Dines Tina Stone Songs for Teaching
Pam Donkin The Uncle Devin Show
Lucy Gatchell Pete Seeger Scholarship Song Wizard Records
Dylan Glanzer Peter Alsop Vivi Melody & Family
Sarah Goslee Reed Karen-Banks Lubicz Susan Salidor
Lisa & Ken Heintz Steve Blunt Anna Stange
Jenny & David Heitler-Klevans Alice & David Burba Music with Mar
Bill & Candy Heitner Joanie Calem Merit School (GOLD)
Susan Hopkins Lisa Garrison Music Together (GOLD)
Margaret Hooton Jose Luis Orozco
Dave Kinnoin Barbara Pearson Non-Profit Partners
Bonnie Lockhart Ruth Pelham Guitars in the Classroom
Fran McKinney Katy Rydell American Camping Ass.
Tom & Louise Pease Barb Tilsen Country Dance & Song Society
Ruth Pelham Darla Marmaluk-Hajioannou
Wiley & Debbie Rankin Tom Fivenson
THANK YOU TO OUR SUSTAINING DONORS,
BUSINESS SPONSORS & PARTNERS!

20. Page 19

21. Page 20

22. Page 21

23. Page 22

24. Page 23

25. Page 24

26. Page 25
Happy Conference everyone!
So happy to have us all together
again, Joanie Calem

27. Page 26

28. Page 27

29. Page 28

30. Page 29

31. Page 30