(Lander, WY) – Families filled the music room at Baldwin Creek Elementary last Friday as fourth and fifth graders invited parents and other grown-ups to join them for a special “bring a grown-up to music class” day, led by music teacher Thomas Wilson. For one class period, the usual routine shifted into a lively singalong, with students and adults side by side learning sea shanties and other work songs chosen for their steady rhythm and interchangeable lyrics.
Wilson said the idea came from a fellow educator.
“I got the idea from another music teacher I heard talk about it at a music education conference a few years ago and we’ve been doing it every year since,” he said. The room quickly filled with laughter and a wide range of voices that soon grew more confident as parents joined in with their children.
Beyond the fun that was had, Wilson hopes the experience encourages families to keep making music together. He spoke about how singing with others creates instant social bonds and a strong sense of belonging.
“Please participate in music,” said Wilson. “Start a band, sing with your church, or just sing in the car with your kids… Music isn’t just for kids or professionals, it’s for all of us.”