Prelude Preschool of the Arts to host open house
Date: 2/15/2010
Prelude Preschool of the Arts Specialist Marcia Gordenstein of Longmeadow working with two young artists at the program. The preschool will host an open house on Feb. 27.
SPRINGFIELD The Prelude Preschool of the Arts at the Community Music School of Springfield (CMSS) will host an admissions open house for prospective families on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Margo Whitt, Preschool Director, will describe the many activities for three to five year olds which the children experience each day as they master academic subjects and social skills. Children receive weekly lessons in guitar or violin, in addition to many other arts-related and academic subjects. Families are encouraged to bring their preschoolers with them to visit Prelude.
Learning through the arts is the focus of the preschool curriculum. Prelude is the only arts-based preschool offering both full and part day options in Massachusetts. The program emphasizes integrated learning in a warm, creative environment designed to encourage a young child's imagination, curiosity and intellect.
The Prelude Preschool of the Arts opened in September 2008 and has received rave reviews. The school occupies the entire third floor of the magnificent Art Deco building at 127 State St. which houses the Community Music School, with two entirely new classrooms and a large third room for dance and movement classes, indoor play and performances. Prelude also has a private outdoor playground featuring musical equipment as well as traditional climbing and exercise structures.
Guest artists expand a student's curiosity as they meet artists as varied as storytellers, a children's book illustrator and musicians working with students of the CMSS in activities such as Master Classes and artist-in-residence programs.
For 26 years, the CMSS has been providing early childhood education classes for children in Greater Springfield. The school's belief in the ability of the arts to change young lives led to the development of the preschool. That belief has been further substantiated by considerable scientific research on the benefits of providing stimulating educational experiences and their impact on a child's future overall learning and enthusiasm for the classroom and school in general.
For additional information on the Prelude Preschool of the Arts, or the parents' open house, please contact Margo Whitt at 723-8428. Advance reservations are not necessary to attend the open house. Free parking is available in the CMSS garage on Stockbridge Street, opposite the school entrance and preschool playground.
Information will also be available on lessons and classes at the CMSS, which offers instruction on 30 different instruments to children and adults of all ages.
