Clara attends the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics program at Huguley Fitness Center in Ft. Worth.  Clara has attended the class three times a week for over two years.  Her instructors, Sasha Eagle, Angela Wells and Megan Williams nominated Clara because she is always singing the praises of the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program and they feel the other participants benefit from her positive attitude.  Clara credits the class with allowing her to continue doing the things she enjoys while keeping her arthritis from worsening.  Clara said, "The disease has progressed, but my body has stayed the same, as have my abilities".  Clara also enjoys the fellowship and comaraderie of the class.  Congratulations to Clara for her success story and to the fantastic staff at Huguley for offering a great program that serves over 150 people.
September 24, 20084, 2008

North Texas: 214.826.4361     .     Heart of Texas: 254.772.9303     .     South Texas: 713.942.9063     .     San Antonio: 210.824.5507
Fort Worth: 817.944.5673     .     Toll Free: 1.800.442.6653

September 24, 200 

Eugene Neboh practices for the 400-meter hurdles on Saturday at the Daniel Cepero Memorial Track Meet. Neboh's event was postponed by the weather on Saturday, but he came back to Ratliff Stadium on Sunday to win the race in 55.90 seconds.

JOSHUA SCHEIDE |
ODESSA AMERICAN  6-30-08

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Odessa American 6/28/08

Tickle those ivories

Little Mozarts get a feel

BY DANIEL SKOLFIELD
Tiny fingers tap the keyboard with form and dexterity as musical notes resonate in the small ears of the player.

Mozart's "Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major" may be a stretch for these youngsters, but the Little Mozart piano classes they're attending will pave a way to play the popular piece one day.

Without the grueling pace of private lessons and intense daily practice, several Odessa children are getting their first feel for glistening ivories beneath their hands - Little Mozart provides a fun interaction with the stringed percussion instrument.

Using stuffed animals named Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse, class instructor Debbie Butler gives students, ages 4 to 6, a hands-on introduction with pianos both large and small.

A pianist for more than 50 years, Butler said she started the beginner classes at the start of June - on top of teaching at Odessa College, directing music at the Permian Playhouse and playing piano for First Methodist and First Christian churches.

"I just wanted to do something that was fun," she said. "Kathy Lollar has asked me to help her with Kindermusik, but there just wasn't anything in there for piano. So, I found Little Mozart and sent off for the curriculum."

While the Kindermusik program enhances childhood development through general music appreciation, Little Mozart focuses on the fundamental steps of playing the piano and reading music in a small group setting.

The fast-paced lessons include dancing, reading, singing and even dress-up with wigs, hats, sunglasses and Mardi Gras beads to make piano lessons fun.

Butler said Little Mozart helps develop coordination, hand strength and independent finger movement as well as teach children discipline to learn a piece, etiquette and how to behave. After the 10-week class season, the students will present a recital playing simple songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

"The point is for them to have fun and realize that they can play the piano - you'd be surprised how quickly they latch on," Butler said. "In reality, not all of them are going to take up piano, but it gets them ready for what they might want to do in the academic setting."

Chess may be Jonathan Harker's favorite game, but the 5-year-old said his dream job is to be a music conductor one day - Little Mozart classes are laying the groundwork for that career path if he chooses it in the future.

"Mozart is pretty good - it teaches me to play the piano, and it helps me to conduct," the boy said. "It's really fun."

His mother, the Rev. Alicia Harker of Bethany Christian Church, said Jonathan gets a double dose of music fundamentals through Kindermusik and Little Mozart classes.

"When he was younger he would stand up and wave his arms like he was directing the theme songs on TV," she said. "He really has a interest in learning to play (the piano) - I think Little Mozart will help him to have the skills regardless of how long he keeps up the interest."

Donna Bell, wife of Permian High choir director Shawn Bell, said their 5-year-old daughter, Ashlyn, is also enrolled in Kindermusik and Little Mozart classes, which will lead to formal piano lessons when she enters first grade.

The early piano emphasis gives the girl a head start on musical terms, understanding of volume and tempo and reading basic music, while passing on the musical heritage of the family.

"Ashlyn's older brother takes piano lessons, so she feels like she's more like him," Donna Bell said. "She's a very artistic kind of child, and so this really draws her attention because she loves to animate singing, dancing and music."

Although many adults have bad memories of piano lessons as a child, Butler said her own experience earned her a college scholarship, two visits to Europe and a career teaching. For that reason, she makes the Little Mozart fun and cheerful.

Children like Ashlyn actually look forward to the classes and short, interactive homework throughout the week.

"I enjoy playing at the Mozart class a lot," Ashlyn said. "I love it."
WANT TO PLAY?
>> Little Mozart classes for children ages 4-6 run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays at First Christian Church, 601 N. Lee Ave.
>> Debbie Butler will consider Tuesday or Thursday night classes if there's an interest shown.
>> Contact her at 368-5753 or e-mail pianodeb@ grandecom.net for enrollment opportunities.

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