Around four dozen fourth and fifth grade students sang their hearts out Wednesday afternoon for an overflowing dining room at Konrad’s Seafood and Grille on Collier Boulevard.

The first public performance of the year by Tommie Barfield’s own Morning Musician’s featured a variety of choreographed song and dance routines led by Lisa Braren, music teacher at Tommie Barfield Elementary (TBE).

Braren, who began teaching over thirty years ago in New York, moved to Marco Island in 1989, at a time when TBE was still able to have chorus during regular school hours.

In 2007, with only one music teacher currently on staff, it’s impossible to fit a children’s choral group into an already tight Kindergarten through fifth grading teaching schedule. According to Braren, that’s how the idea of a “before school” musical group came into play.

“I came up with the idea that the Morning Musicians would have to come to school early — at 7:45 a.m. We practice three days a week and sometimes practice on Monday and Fridays when I need to have a solo group practice or when we are prepping for a show,” Braren explained. “The group is open to any fourth or fifth grade student who would enjoy coming and who is able to come at 7:45 in the morning. I invite everybody!”

TBE Morning Musician’s must be “respectful, responsible role models,” in order to properly represent themselves in the community. They must get satisfactory grades in “citizenship” on their report cards. Students must sign a contract, agreeing to maintain good grades and follow the school motto of “excellence everyday in every way.” Parents and teachers must also sign the form.

“There have been so many studies done that have proven that children that are involved in music excel in their core subject areas,” Braren said. “They learn culture, they learn history, they learn social skills, they learn public speaking, they learn self esteem and they learn that it’s OK to stand up in front of a group and speak and have eye contact. At the end of the program, I have the children go out and shake hands with the people and thank them for coming. These are skills that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.”

Last school-year, the group included 20 children — one a violinist and two who played piano. This year’s overwhelming response of over 50 kids has left Braren with no time to incorporate special performances. However, auditions have begun and after the holidays, a special recital will be held at Tommie Barfield to showcase talent.

“Last year we had a girl taking private dance lessons so we incorporated that into it. We had some people who did individual songs and duets as well. I did have the children who were interested in doing these other things audition for me. We’re going to have a recital here in the classroom and invite people to come. There will be instruments and dancing in addition to singing.”

During Wednesday’s performance at Konrad’s, the Marco Island “Just Friends Club,” donated a hundred dollars to the TBE music program. The money will be put towards a fund to buy steel drums for students to learn and enjoy. Braren says the department needs to raise about $4,000 to make the purchase. In addition to the club’s donation, each child received a $3 gift certificate from Froots, along with a “thank you note.”

Fourth grader, Zach Pollard, says he was a bit nervous for his first ever Morning Musician’s performance.

“I thought it would be a good experience because I like to sing and dance and stuff like that. We practice and then after a few weeks we go off to perform,” he explained.

Fellow fourth grader, Cameron Robau, says he likes the group for two reasons.

“‘Cause it’s fun and I get to get out of school sometimes!” he joked.

“Like today. We get to sing and do solos and go to cool places. It’s fun for boys because they get more parts, since there’s not that many boys in the group.”

Mariel Sanchez, fifth grader, looks at Morning Musicians with hope for the future.

“I say the best thing is learning new songs and if you try really hard you might get a solo. I have a goal of being a really good singer when I get older because it’s my favorite hobby,” he admitted.

Morning Musician’s are scheduled to perform at Marco Island Yacht Club both on Dec. 5 for Marco Women’s Club and on Dec. 12 for the Newcomer’s Club. Additional fourth and fifth grade singers may join the group after the first of the year.

“Sometimes I think, egh, I’m giving up my (lesson) planning time. Is this something that really is vital to do?” Braren said of her many hours put in with the group. “But then, the day before this opening concert at Conrad’s, I was walking out to my car in the parking lot. I walked past the buses and one of my Morning Musician’s pulled down the bus window and screamed out ‘Mrs. Braren! I can’t wait until tomorrow!’ Whenever you get that kind of response and enthusiasm from the children, it just makes it all worthwhile. I have the best job in the world! It’s not like work. It’s sharing talents, and joy and harmony. It’s wonderful!”

To make a donation to the steel drum fund, send to the attention of TBE music department at: 101 Kirkwood Street, Marco Island, Florida 34145. To invite the Morning Musician’s to perform, call 377-8500 for more information.

Naples Daily News
Naples Sun Times
The Banner

Collier Citizen
Vista Semanal
PrepZone

Coastalbeat
Set Anchor
SWFLMoms