Music is the Soul of Parkside


Sometimes called “the universal language,” music adds a sensory dimension to life like nothing else. Children have an innate capacity to appreciate music of all types, and an uninhibited inclination to move, dance, and make music.

 - Dr. Maria Montessori

If Montessori is the heart of Parkside, music is its soul. Singing, music appreciation, and introduction to various instruments are part of the curriculum in each of our programs, and we regularly sing and dance together as a community. We also offer additional opportunities to explore music and creative performances of all kinds. We want the children to step out of their comfort zone, try new things, and maybe discover a hidden gift they can share with the world.

Simple Gifts

Our Simple Gifts ceremony is a weekly community sing-along with the historical Shaker song “Simple Gifts” as the foundation. The ceremony was inspired by founder Joe Bruno's 1996 educational trip to China, where he observed school children gathering each morning to participate in synchronized dances. Joe was struck by the strong sense of pride and community created by this ritual of music and movement, so he brought the idea to Parkside, and we've been singing and dancing together to our songs and other favorites ever since. It's the best way to start your day and infuses the week with joyful celebration. All families and friends of Parkside, past and present, are invited to join us, and if you’d like a preview of Simple Gifts, listen to the audio file and view the lyrics.

Student dancing ballet during Parkside's Cultural Challenge

Cultural Challenge

An annual tradition unique to Parkside is Cultural Challenge, an invitation for the children to share a new or honed skill or talent with the whole community. By presenting this "challenge," we are offering opportunities to build confidence and motivation to face and conquer the next challenge, whether it's in or out of the classroom. Each year, we are inspired and impressed by poetry recitations, athletic feats, monologue and dance performances, comedy routines, and at least one new "something" we've never seen before. Cultural Challenge is regarded by many alumni families as the highlight of their child's time at Parkside and an experience that continues to benefit them in the years that follow.

Jammin' with Jam-pa Joe!
Joe Bruno, aka Jam-pa, is our founder and Head Music Maker, and over his 40+ years in Montessori education, he has written numerous songs with the children that are in regular rotation at our Simple Gifts sing-alongs. He is always looking for ways to help families bring more music into their daily lives, and in the videos below, he guides you through some Parkside songs and other favorites so you can play along at home. The Parkside Guitar Songbook (downloadable PDF) includes the lyrics and chords to use with the videos as well. Regular practice and keeping your guitar in tune (Joe recommends a Snark Tuner) are key to success, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to Jam with Joe! 
Parkside Community School Songbook Art


“We honestly believe that Parkside's approach to the Montessori method provided "growth to the whole child" with regard to each one of our three children. I would invite you to schedule a classroom observation and join us for Simple Gifts on Friday mornings. You'll be glad you did.”


- Elizabeth Kalbacher

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