Comments on: Ellen Allard Music Meets the Stretchy Band

By: Taylor Chapman

Taylor Chapman — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 20:07:13 +0000

I am a new music therapist and have already been able to notice how useful a stretchy band can be within sessions! Use of the stretchy band is an easy way to involve students that cannot easily communicate with the rest of the group verbally, whether that means they are nonverbal or speak a different language. Movement in general is such a useful way to incorporate everyone in the group despite language difficulties or barriers. It can give individuals an opportunity to lead the group and share original ideas without having to rely on verbal language. Using a stretchy band specifically brings a “wow factor” that can motivate individuals that might not usually want to participate to do so due to the use of something novel. I would love to have one of my own so that I can always have it on hand when I unexpectedly want to add a movement intervention to my sessions. The CD would introduce me to other songs to use along with the stretchy band. This would allow me to use the stretchy band with the same group without having to use the same 2 songs I used during my internship when I had a stretchy band to use from my site. The use of various songs with the stretchy band could help me maintain client attention and increase participation. Thank you for the opportunity!

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 14:29:12 +0000

I would love to have a CD and stretchy band! The students will love the feeling of the stretchy band and adding it to lessons will tack a new dimension onto their learning. This way they will be able to experience form and beat in a new way where they can feel their peers and work together to show different aspects of music. I’m excited about a CD that will help me incorporate it into lessons. So many ways!!!!

By: Kathy Schumacher

Kathy Schumacher — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 00:28:34 +0000

I promise I will donate the stretchy band! (I just really want to hear the CD.) I have many several stretchy bands and my clients and students LOVE them!

By: Leah

Leah — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 00:21:43 +0000

I would use a stretchy band with my Head Start 4K class. They love new, interesting materials that they can use to interact with their friends.

By: Abby

Abby — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 21:54:17 +0000

I LOVE this stretchy band! I am a freshly certified music therapist embarking on my first year of work in my private practice. I work with a wide range of individuals (from pre-k to older adults), and could envision using this prop with many of my groups! I love the fact that this prop promotes cooperation and social interaction while also working on other concepts (up/down, right/left, fast/slow,…). I am also thinking I could use this prop for things like color identification, thanks to its brilliantly colored segments! I facilitate a movement/exercise group for the older adults at one of my nursing facilities. I am curious about the resistance of the stretchy band and if it would be appropriate for this group/setting. Hopefully I will win the contest and get the chance to find out! 🙂

P. S. I love Ellen’s music! Anyone who has not yet checked her out, I highly recommend you do so! Her songs are so cute, fun, and aurally pleasing!

By: Amanda Caudill

Amanda Caudill — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 14:05:54 +0000

I would love to have a stretchy band to use in my K-5 music classes! This is my first year at my district and the kids had never been exposed to movement. They are loving all the creative movement activities I’m doing with them! The stretchy band would enhance our movement lessons…I have so many ideas!

By: Miss Carole

Miss Carole — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 04:54:30 +0000

Glad to hear that you and Ellen connected, Janet! I keep spreading the word about your wonderful Bear Paw Creek movement props well crafted and made in the USA!

By: Beth Vanderhoek

Beth Vanderhoek — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 03:52:49 +0000

There are many ways I would use this! It could be used to show pitches and/or dynamics through having the class work together on raising and the band as they listen to music, could be used for keeping the beat activities, a variety of games, and I’m sure there are many more ideas that I haven’t thought of yet!

By: Rosie Downs

Rosie Downs — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 02:00:38 +0000

I teach music classes for preschool and would love a stretchy band for classes. It really would help to keep the children engaged and focused in small and large movement songs. So colorful and engaging!

By: Heather

Heather — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 22:34:51 +0000

I am a music therapy intern at a Children’s psychiatric hospital and I think this would be a great way to explore music with them. I would love to grow my collection with this amazing tool.