Music Program
The MOSFX Music Program is headed by Christopher Tolbert. Mr. Chris is the owner and founder of Tolbert Music. He plays the trumpet professionally and is also a member of the Avanti Orchestra of the Friday Morning Music Club.
The program consists of an optional after-school class and a mandatory band/orchestra program for the elementary students.
The after-school class is a great introduction to music for the younger students. They sing songs, play music games, play basic percussion instruments, and even have brief opportunities to get introduced to other instruments.
As part of the mandatory Elementary Program kids rent instruments and learn to play and read music.
Private lessons are also available at the school. Piano is great for beginning students, with a free trial to assess their finger dexterity and focus. They need a little of each in order to assess if private lessons would be worthwhile.
Chess Club
The MSOFX Chess Club is a 10-week program where students will learn the rules of the game, the basics of chess strategy, and how to perform the essential checkmates.
Chess players and math students are very much alike in that they engage in problem-solving activities that require strong analytical ability and critical-thinking skills. Analyzing a complicated chess position is very similar to solving a difficult math problem. This program helps students understand the scope of the problem, guides students in their thinking process, and facilitates development of effective strategies for finding solutions. We believe that helping children develop these skills will give them the tools they need to achieve success both in the classroom and throughout their lives.
Chess can help a child develop logical thinking, decision making, reasoning, and pattern recognition skills, which in turn can help math and verbal skills.
Susan Polgar
Yoga Club
Ms. Karen Jaynes heads our program, which teaches children yoga posing, breathing and relaxation techniques. Ms. Karen has been practicing yoga for over 18 years. She’s an internationally recognized, eRYT Experienced Yoga Teacher and FCPS (Fairfax County Public Schools) Independent contractor yoga teacher. You can find more information on Ms. Karen here.
We have a good time learning poses and using them in games, partner work, as well as in our practices. Kids learn how to relax before tests and other events that may create worries and stresses. We learn to be aware of our emotions and energy and how to communicate with each other, being mindful of our surroundings and their affects on our being.
Some mindful practices:
- Practicing Mind & Body Stillness
- Being Aware of our Stress Reactions
- Focused and Intentional Breathing, like belly breathing and counting breathing
Foreign Language Program
This program encourages intellectual development, introduces a global perspective, and can enhance your child’s future career opportunities.
Also, research has shown that childhood is the best time to learn a language. With fewer inhibitions than adults, children can absorb the nuances of a foreign language and they’re often able to speak without an accent.
- Spanish
- Farsi
