By Jessica Coleman -- Daily Staff Writer

FRONT ROYAL — Though about 50 children were acting like monkeys Thursday morning at the Front Royal United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, they were learning important skills and gaining knowledge at the same time, said the creator of the "Music with Mar" program.

Maryann Harman said music is the easiest way to teach children basic concepts. With dancing, movement and song, she explained concepts like manners, colors, word sounds, animal sounds and human anatomy. The children danced enthusiastic to each of the songs, shouting out answers to questions, and following Harman's directions.

"Children learn things with their whole being," she said, adding that music helps with retention because children learn through their "muscular level of memory."

One song about monkeys making fun of an alligator and being eaten for their impertinence was meant to teach the children the importance of being kind to each other.

"Teasing is not a good choice," Harman said. "No one likes to be teased."

A song about a curious, big-mouthed bullfrog taught children what different animals eat.

One song taught children about the primary colors — red, yellow and blue.

Still another song addressed the kinds of animals that hatch from eggs.

"You guys are so smart!" Harman said to the eager children.

Some songs were just about movement and coordination and dancing with abandon. One, called "Shake It! Shake it!" told children to "shake what you got," "shake your hands," and "shake what's behind you."

"We have a whole lot of things we can shake," Harman told the children. "Let's get it started."

The interactive concert, attended by about 50 children, some from day-care centers and others with their parents, was the culmination of a workshop held Wednesday for teachers about how to incorporate music in education. More than two dozen teachers from Warren County Public Schools and local day cares attended. Skyline Music Academy, directed by Allyson Shaner, a music therapist for Warren and Rockingham county schools, presented the workshop and concert.

"What's sad is [many] teachers think using music is a waste of time," Harman said.

The workshop, Shaner said, was meant to teach educators the importance of incorporating age-appropriate, developmental music activities in their classrooms. According to Harman, children who have music incorporated into their lives from an early age have an intellectual edge over children who do not. Learning concepts through music, she said, opens pathways in the brain that cannot be otherwise accessed. This is especially true in developing the mathematical side of the brain, she said.

"They have to learn by touching, feeling, doing," said Donna Robertson, a second-grade teacher at Hilda J. Barbour. "They have to get it all ingrained in their bodies. ... You can teach them so much through music."

Using music also keeps children's attention longer and allows them to focus on the task at hand because they are having fun, Shaner said. This was apparent as all the children watched Harman with rapt attention as she introduced each new song, often accompanied by a puppet.

"Studies have shown that children that are involved in music activities score higher on their SATs," Harman said. "You have to make it so they like it so much they'll keep music in their life."

Shaner said she is working to bring the "Music with Mar." concerts to Front Royal on a more permanent basis. Anyone interested in the program can call 683-9768 or e-mail Shaner at ashaner@embarqmail.com.

* Contact Jessica Coleman at jcoleman@nvdaily.com