Jeff Newell, a musician and music historian, teaching the kids about how music of the early 20th century relates to music they may hear today. He has a studio in Vinegar Hill.

Samara Gaev, a NY-based poet and educator, working with the 5th graders to brainstorm as they write (and at the end of the week record) their original songs. Samara is on the board of Project Rhythm, which was founded by Jamin Gilbert, president of Ishlab Music Studio in DUMBO.

Blake Harrison of DUMBO-based Flocabulary, teaching the 2nd graders vocabulary words by rapping about a cat named Biggie. Blake and Alex Rappaport talked to the kids about how music sticks in your head and can help you learn.

(Photos courtesy of Jam On DUMBO)

Jam On DUMBO provided the first Music Week at P.S. 307, five days of music programming for the elementary school’s students, from May 21st to May 25th, 2012.

During Music Week, Jam On DUMBO is bringing more than a dozen musicians, educators and performers to P.S. 307 (209 York Street, Brooklyn). Students will be exposed to different types of music and movement and have the opportunity to explore the importance of music in their own lives.

“We understand the value of children having access to the arts. At a time when budgets are cut so drastically from schools, community partnerships like the one with Jam On DUMBO are crucial,” says P.S. 307 Principal Roberta Davenport. “This event is at the core of what we believe – this idea of expanding the worldview of children, and bringing to them unique experiences that they otherwise wouldn’t have.”

The week culminates in a Friday assembly where the fifth graders will perform their original songs. Funmilayo Chesney, an award-winning Congolese dancer and instructor at the Cumbe Center for African and Diaspora Dance, will also perform.

More from the press release after the break.
Read the rest of this entry »

There is an open house at PS 307 Vinegar Hill (209 York Street) tomorrow, May 3, 2012 from 9:30am-11:00am and 6:00pm-7:30pm.

From the school:

Still looking for a school for your child to attend in September? Come learn what PS 307 has to offer – Violin & Keyboard Instruction, Social Emotional Learning, Dual Language Mandarin/English Program, Technology Based Instruction, Afterschool Programs, School Health Center, ASD Horizon (Autism Spectrum Disorder Program) and more

For Information, call 718-834-4748

We’ve heard positive feedback from parents in the neighborhood about the Pre-K through 5 Grade school.

PS 307 (Daniel Hale Williams)
209 York Street, Brooklyn NY 11201 (Between Navy & Gold Streets)

Abundant Learning is excited that the DUMBO Einsteins Pre-K alternative classes are growing right along with their students. While they will continue to offer drop off classes for early and late 3 year old students, they are adding classes this summer and fall for 4-year-old’s. AL will continue their literacy, art, math, and chess curriculum for all of their Einsteins. However, the 4’s classes will begin to explore a mind body connection through yoga and breathing exercises, and they will begin to embark on mini field trips in the neighborhood to develop a sense of community. Additionally, AL is pleased to offer French and Painting classes starting this summer for 3 and 4 year olds – and in the fall AL will have a French Immersion and Painting add on class for the 4’s.

The Abundant Learning Chess program continues to grow with the Thursday Chess Club and private lessons. This summer they are offering a Tournament Chess Boot Camp for children ages 5*-12. Starting in the fall of 2012, Abundant Learning will be offering Chess Memberships for private lessons spanning the entire school year.

In early February, AL partnered with Karma Kids Yoga to offer yoga for children and their families on Sundays. So far the response has been wonderful.

This school year AL expanded the Tutoring program to include 4-year-old children. The one on one tutoring is individually designed for children and adults and is based on multi sensory techniques similar to Lindamood-Bell. The tutoring can be either proactive or remedial.

If you have any questions about the current offerings or requests for future offerings, please contact Liz@abundantlearning.org.

Davina Zagury is offering her Siblings 6 project at Pomme in Dumbo on March 3rd and 4th. She will be capturing the special bond between siblings during a two-day photography project.

In order to secure your session, a non-refundable $35 deposit is required. The deposit includes:

• 10 – 15 minutes studio session
• Online private gallery of edited images
• You will have the option to order prints from the online gallery for additional cost. Prints are available starting at $30.

Babies must be able to sit unassisted.

Date: March 3rd & 4th, 2012, 10am to 5pm
Address: Pomme
81 Washington St, at York.
DUMBO, Brooklyn 11201
RSVP: http://davinaz.brownbookit.com/schedules/siblings6

Join Jam On DUMBO this Sunday as part of their 2012 Winter Concert Series, held at Superfine restaurant, 126 Front Street, Brooklyn.

For each of the two (remaining) concerts, doors open at 4 pm, and the bands will play from 4:30-5:30 pm. Tickets are $20 per family, available at the door (cash only). Superfine will be providing a special kids menu before and after the concerts, and there will be free face-painting and balloons for the kids!

TWO CONCERTS LEFT:
Here’s the lineup:

• Sunday, February 12, 2012: Still Saffire
• Sunday, March 11, 2012: Shine and the Moonbeams

This year’s concert series will raise money for their free Summer Family Music Festival in 2012, as well as our 2012 community outreach projects, including Music Week at P.S. 307 (for more details on that project, check out our website, www.jamondumbo.com).

Holiday craft fair with local artisans and vendors
Saturday, December 3, 2011, 10:30am-5:00pm
Brooklyn Friends School, 375 Pearl Street, Brooklyn NY

Bring your kids age 4-8yrs for fun with food! Anna Harrington will guide the kids in making modernist fantasy ginger bread houses. We will listen to Christmas classics while working and enjoy apple cider and Swedish ginger cookies as a snack.

Saturday December 3rd, 3:30-4:30pm
*This is a drop-off event*

RSVP to annahconsulting@me.com
fee for the class is $25 per child

Pomme (pommenyc.com)
81 Washington Street, Brooklyn NY 11201
facebook.com/PommeNYC

After Brooklyn Eagle Claw Kung Fu left the neighborhood, there lacked a martial arts school in Dumbo. Last week, Josh Paul opened Aikido of South Brooklyn (AOSB) at 68 Jay Street #509. Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art of self-defense. Aikido translates as “the way of harmonizing with energy.” It relies on principles of balance, timing, and spacing, rather than size, strength, and might, and is accessible to people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. The goal of aikido’s techniques and philosophy is to control aggression without inflicting injury. It is a system of self-defense and a path to develop positive character. Training at Aikido of South Brooklyn focuses on the technical, martial and artistic aspects of aikido, as well as its potential for individual growth and development.

Classes are available for children ages 6-13 and adults.

“We are very excited to have this opportunity to share our art with the DUMBO community,” said Josh Paul, AOSB’s head instructor. “Aikido is safe, practical, and affordable for people of all ages. It is about self-defense and self-improvement. It is not about fighting and competition. We look forward to expanding our already large youth program and growing adult practice here in Dumbo.”

For more information about Paul sensei and Aikido of South Brooklyn, check out their website. Welcome to Dumbo, Aikido of South Brooklyn!

Aikido of South Brooklyn (www.aikidoofsouthbrooklyn.com)
68 Jay St, #509 Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-612-6334
josh@mindbodyartsinc.com
www.facebook.com/aikidoofsouthbrooklyn

Davina Zagury is offering a family portrait promotion in Dumbo on Thursday. For $250, you will receive:

• 30 min. photo session (Maximum of 4 family members)
• Credit of $100 towards ordering custom prints printed on luster paper
• Two high resolution images (can be used for greeting cards and large prints)
• An easy, private-access link to preview and order your images online
• You will also have the opportunity to order extra prints and high resolutions images on a CD for an additional cost.

Style and lighting example as seen in the image above. Because of the style of the photos, it is highly recommended to wear colorful, solid colored clothing such as Red, Green, Purple, Burgundy, Dark Blue. Light colors or patterns are not recommended.

Details:
Date: December 3, 2011
Hours: 10:00am-5:30pm
Location: 10 Jay Street, 7th floor, Suite #709 Dumbo in Brooklyn

To RSVP, go to davinaz.brownbookit.com/schedules/familypromotion

Pomme’s kids haircutter, Nancy is back for three dates, due to popular demand. Haircuts start at 10 am (and Pomme will be open earlier) on the following Sundays:

• November 27, 2011
• December 4th, 2011
• December 18th, 2011

Pomme’s “salon” is open from 10am-4pm. Drop ins are always welcome but appointments are recommended. To book, email store@pommenyc.com or call 718-855-0623.

Pomme (pommenyc.com)
81 Washington Street, Brooklyn NY 11201

facebook.com/PommeNYC