Children ages six through thirteen sang and danced to guitar and drums in the YMCA family center as they concluded their last day of a special, week-long summer program. Organized and led by musician Paddy Dougherty Braunstein and her daughter, artist Megan Davies, this program helped to teach community children from Altavista and Gretna teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and sharing skills through the arts.
Paddy is a songwriter and singer who uses her musical gifts in teaching at schools. She has organized and led these special summer programs in years past and hopes to continue leading them in other towns. This year, she collaborated with her daughter, local artist Megan Davies. This arts program hosted at the Altavista YMCA Family Center utilized many forms of art, including music, painting, crafts, and drawing.
Using cardboard boxes and imagination, program participants created “Our Town.” In teams, they created makeshift businesses such as Joe Beans; Scoops ice cream; a drink stand advertising water, lemonade, and juice; a zoo; and other attractions. With seven total groups having to share resources, Paddy explains that this project helped teach the kids how to problem solve, share with one another, and work as a team to make their visions come true – all while tapping into their creative, artistic side.
Paddy shared her music with the groups. Guitar, drums, voice, and other instruments were all incorporated. The children even collaborated with her to write lyrics for their own original song. In their final presentation to showcase new skills, one group of children demonstrated what they had learned on a set of drums, exemplifying musical components like rhythm and syncopation to their peers. To conclude their presentations, team leaders and campers enthusiastically performed their original song.
Other Altavista community leaders joined in as well. The owner of Scoops stopped by for a visit, and the children got to sit around the Chamber table. They also visited the police station.
Paddy and Megan agree that one of the most rewarding parts of this program is seeing the positive transformation in the lives of the children they interact with. “To see some kids who come in with their hands in their pockets, and they’re not going to make eye contact with you and have an attitude, and by the end they’re giving you a hug and telling you to have a great summer and they can’t wait to see you again… make my life,” Paddy said, smiling.
Paddy and Megan are happy to foster valuable leadership and teamwork skills in upcoming generations through the power of art. These skills can translate into the children’s everyday lives and teach them lessons they can carry with them as they grow.
As printed in the Altavista Journal
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