GILROY
– The 10 children ranging in ages from 4 to 8 are bubbling with
excitement as they form a circle on the floor. There are friendly
smiles of recognition as they acknowledge each other and their
teacher, Erin Cross.
GILROY – The 10 children ranging in ages from 4 to 8 are bubbling with excitement as they form a circle on the floor. There are friendly smiles of recognition as they acknowledge each other and their teacher, Erin Cross.
“I’m as good as anyone. … I can ask for love. … I am one in a zillion. … It’s magic,” they sing.
Cross teaches a class called the “Joy of Music” at the Willey Cultural Center, part of the programming offered by the City of Gilroy’s Arts and Cultural Department. Cross is a newcomer to Gilroy, moving from San Luis Obispo with her two children, Forest and Gabby, to be with her husband, David, who works for Goldsmith Seeds. Cross grew up in San Luis Obispo and started her own musical career at an early age.
“My mother remembers me swinging in the backyard at the age of 3 singing Hippie songs like, ‘Bye, Bye Miss American Pie’ with perfect pitch and knowing all the words,” she said. “My mom and I are soul mates. We both love music and think children are amazing. We created the Joy of Music program together.”
Cross is trained as a classical violinist but sees her voice as her major instrument. She has sung in musical theater, traveled with jazz and big bands and performed as a back-up singer for Bobby McFarren.
Cathy Mirelez, the arts and cultural programs and museum supervisor for the City of Gilroy, was introduced to Cross’s program when she heard a CD by the singer.
“She has a beautiful voice, and it was not a program we had,” she said. “I feel very strongly about the arts aiding in development, and Erin’s Joy of Music program incorporates not only music but self-esteem building.”
“I give the children a safe environment to express themselves,” Cross said. “I want the children to not be afraid to be themselves. Music is a vehicle to teaching tolerance, education and peace.”
The weekly program runs four months. Each week builds on the lessons and experiences of the previous week using songs, sounds like the children’s own heartbeats, dancing, dramatic play and musical instruments from around the world.
“The classes offer strong boundaries and rituals,” Cross said. “The circle comes from the ’round table’ philosophy. It’s a place where the children can honor each other and be safely listened to.”
The diverse ages don’t impede the class, she said. The older children act as buddies for the younger ones, and each child is given positive feedback on their contributions.
“I want to teach values through music,” Cross said. “The children are learning a song this week called ‘Everyone Deserves a Home.’ It’s about homeless people. Often, the songs, developed around themes like the environment or Native American history, are a springboard to discussions. Music is so universal.”
“My office is upstairs,” Mirelez said, “and I can hear the children singing. This program allows the children to explore musically. The parents are really impressed with Erin’s professionalism and positive loving personality.”
Community Services will offer the program again for the winter/spring session, starting in January.
“I have seen such changes in the students this session,” Cross said. “They really open up. One little girl can take any topic and make up a song; 6-year-old Andrew has perfect pitch and a natural talent; the cool older boys are singing solos. I am helping them affirm a part of themselves that hasn’t been noticed before.”
The children from the first session will find new things to explore in the next series.
“They will certainly be welcomed back, and I look forward to blending new students into the classes,” Cross said. “I will be incorporating themes about the weather, I’ll introduce classical instruments, and in May we’ll have a Teddy Bear Picnic. There is certainly not a lack of music.”
The new City of Gilroy Activity Guide was delivered to residents Monday. Two classes of The Joy of Music will be offered on Monday or Wednesday, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 846-0460. The registration fee is $110 ($115 for nonresidents).
