[adsanity id=”53103″ align=”aligncenter” /]

Photo provided by Laura McMahan

We accept letters to the editor. Letters to the editor are opinions of the authors of the letter, not Decaturish.com. Everyone has an equal opportunity to submit a letter to the editor. So if you read something here and don’t like it, don’t jump on our case. Write a letter of your own. All letters must be signed. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and content. To send your letter to the editor, email it to [email protected].

[adsanity id=”43479″ align=”aligncenter” /]

[adsanity id=”53545″ align=”aligncenter” /]

Dear Decaturish,

I am local music teacher in the area and wanted to brag on talented students in our community.

On Oct. 14, 45 kids dressed up in Halloween costumes to perform music at their local coffee shop, Karvana, for an Open Mic event….you know, your typical Sunday afternoon.  Cue Batman playing Hot Cross Buns on the keyboard.

Atlanta Music Education, a local, modern music program created by Ms. Elexa Bancroft, has been putting on Kid’s Open Mic Events around the community for years. Past locations include The Corner Cup and Twains. The Open Mics are open to the community and a great way for young musicians to have the opportunity to perform and share their musical talents with peers in a fun, low stress environment.  The Halloween Open Mic is especially popular because costumes are encouraged and themed grouped songs are included.

As local music teachers collaborating together, we pride ourselves in having the most nurturing family friendly events and if a child isn’t quite ready to do a solo song, we invite them to come up for one of our group sing alongs.” This event’s group songs included”The Greatest Show” from the The Greatest Showman, “I Put a Spell On You” from Hocus Pocus and “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

Songs were performed through voice, keys, cello, drums, guitar and ukulele. For many it becomes a family affair. Parents and siblings have the special opportunity to join in performances with their child which takes the cuteness to a whole new level.

Elizabeth Brown, 9 performed Lady Gaga’s song “Million Reasons” on keys and voice and her Dad accompanied her on guitar.

Elizabeth’s mother, Lauren Brown says, “We have been attending Kids Open Mic performances for several years because they provide the perfect low-key way for my daughter to gain performance experience in a smaller, more casual environment in front of a supportive audience. She was terrified for her first Open Mic, and now she would play all day if they would let her! These experiences have translated for her into comfort with other kinds of performances and public speaking, which is an invaluable life skill.”

Elizabeth studies with me at my studio in Oakhurst. I’m so grateful to Elexa and her team at Atlanta Music Education for hosting these fantastic events and inviting my studio to participate. Music is truly a gift to be shared and I love to see the confidence my students gain through these performances.

Best Regards,

Laura McMahan

[adsanity id=”38887″ align=”aligncenter” /]

[adsanity id=”33719″ align=”aligncenter” /]