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The Children's Music Network

The Children's Music Network is a nonprofit organisation based in Arlington, Massachusetts. Their primary focus is to educate children through the universal language of music; recognizing the benefits that it provides during their formative years. Established in 1987, the organisation is made up of musicians, composers, educators and advocates. Many of whom compose and introduce educational songs for children to enjoy, appreciate, understand and use as a tool for making positive changes in the world; or for delivering meaningful messages of hope and change. ^[2] Sarah Pirtle (one of the founding members), stated that the Children's Music Network have 3 common objectives, their "love of children, wanting to help build a world that works, and the belief that songs have power, that you can sing something into existence." ^[3]

History

CMN's humble beginnings commenced during informal meetings for Songs of Freedom and Struggle (a folk music organisation abbrev. SFS). The meetings were upgraded to workshops, where originally composed songs were learned and exchanged. Between 1982 and 1983, brief meetings extended to annually scheduled gatherings with programs for creating and sharing inspirational children's music. Each performance at small gatherings would encourage children and adults to actively participate, with the intent for establishing an equal and creative educational environment. Furthermore, raising awareness for worldwide issues and allowing children to voice their concern for environmental or social issues was a major vision. 1983 significantly marks the unification of Songs of Freedom and Struggle with the People's Music Network (PMN), which became their active name until further changes in 1987; the official formation of The Children's Music Network. Children's entertainers were contacted across multiple states in North America by Sarah Pirtle, which became a successful networking strategy. The first of who responded were from Toronto, Canada; Los Angeles, California, Pine Bush, New York and another from New Jersey. She continued to write letters, publish editorials and spread the word about the organisation through events and fundraisers. Eventually, CMN's group members increased and diversified - to become the organisation of like-minded individuals that it is in the present.^[4]

Strength behind the Organisation

The organisation upholds certain principles whereby their 'Code of Ethics' is reflected upon. The significant 7 was established in 2015 by their board, to exemplify the actions expected of each member within the Children's Music Network. ^[5]

• Respect

Each member or participant is able to meaningfully contribute in group discussions, workshops and sharing musical ideas. Honesty and transparency within each department ensures that a caring and considerate community is created.^[5]

• Sharing

CMN accepts and encourages the distribution of a wide range of hard/soft skills and resources, wherein ease of efficiency and productivity within the workplace is achieved. Ideas, songs and music-related activities are among those valuable skills and shared resources.^[5]

• Diversity & Equality

CMN welcomes individuals from all walks of life to be a part of their flourishing organisation. Regardless of one's age, cultural background, occupation or socioeconomic status, CMN believes in each person's ability to hear and make music for a beneficial purpose. They are appreciative of all genres/styles and levels of musical ability. They highly emphasise the importance of having an equal opportunity for sharing creativity, resources and musical knowledge. ^[5]

• Consensus

The organisation implements supported decision making, in correspondence with the consensus decision making model. This enables each member's voice or opinion to be heard, valued and considered; for the benefit of CMN as a collective. ^[5]

• Empowerment

Meeting the needs and wants of our future generations is at the forefront of the organisation's mission. They are aiming to make their compositions an invaluable resource, and their purpose and philanthropic views an intergenerational endeavour. ^[5]

• Social Justice

The Children's Music Network's passion for providing a voice to, and for younger generations, is highlighted in their mission/actions. Their desire to have a society that is universally just, forms part of their initiative in maintaining the state of our environment and making the world a friendlier and livable place. ^[5]

Awards

Magic Penny

On an annual basis since 1999, this accolade is presented to a worthy member of the Children's Music Network community; to acknowledge his or her valued contribution to the organisation, CMN's extended community and the world at large. Among the most dedicated and notable recipients thereof, are American folk singer/songwriters, storytellers and activists; namely Tom Chapin, Woody Guthrie, Ella Jenkins and Malvina Reynolds.^[7]

Pass It On! Scholars Award

Awarded annually during the season of Fall, to one College/University Student and one Senior High School student. The pass it on 'Project Reviewers' are in charge of choosing the most suitable recipient based on specific qualities or attributes. The respective recipients are seen to have diligence and a genuine interest in making a positive contribution in children's lives, through music. Furthermore, they are able to demonstrate a willingness to share ideas, knowledge, music, songs and understand the importance of networking. ^[8]

Events

Among their active engagement and contributions within their expansive community, CMN holds annual conferences and a series of regional events; wherein acceptance for diversity and inclusion take place.

Annual International Conference

The Children's Music Network's annual conference is held at different venues each year within the East Coast, Mid-West and West Coast regions of the USA. Their major event is scheduled over 3 days (Friday - Sunday) every September, with a series of guest speakers, workshops, meals,educational/music-related activities and performances. It holds a significant opportunity for collaborating, educating and networking amongst existing members and newcomers. It is also during this event when the Magic Penny Award is presented to the worthy recipient (Day 3). The modified conference mirrors that of the early phases of the organisation. ^[9]

Regional Events

Adults and children of all ages, assemble in local venues within their North American region to exchange songs/music and ideas during smaller-sized gatherings. These meetings usually take place over each region's corresponding vacation period; wherein benefit concerts, leisure activities and "song swap" sessions are conducted. The sessions differ from one another and are used to inform participants (particularly the younger cohort), of ways to approach and deal with some of life's ambiguities. For example, children in New England are taught to be aware and respectful when referring to people of different genders and racial backgrounds. In conjunction with song/dance/movement numbers, the seminar leaders bring about positive messages and techniques for the younger generation to take on board with them throughout their daily lives. ^[10]

Public Recognition

Billboard, a renowned American Music, Entertainment and Media brand, featured The Children's Music Network in their November 28, 1992 magazine issue. The specific mentions on page 65 were about their second national gathering at the time, which took place at Griffith Park Camp in Los Angeles. The short feature also includes a quote of the organisation's objective which was "to support the creation and dissemination of life-affirming, multicultural music forms by and for young people." They continued to quote Sarah Pirtle's statement, in which CMN was to be "a positive catalyst for education and community-building through music." ^[11]

An earlier issue published on October 23, 1976 mentioned/included Malvina Reynolds and Ella Jenkins (Magic Penny Award recipients). An advertisement under the magazine's Talent section, was promoting Reynold's involvement at the Pied Piper Children's Music Festival; alongside Jenkins and other specialists in children's music. The event was a co-sponsored music concert/workshop for children and took place at Los Angeles City College. ^[12]

References

External Links

Official Children's Music Network website

Category:Music organizations Category: Organizations Category:Music organizations based in the United States Category: Music education organizations Category: Musical advocacy groups