Location: St George’s Church, Edgbaston, Birmingham
Time: 10am-11:30
Price: £10 for One adult and up to two children
On Wednesday, me and Jemima jumped into the car after the school run and headed off to St George’s Church in Edgbaston where we were going to the first ever B’Opera Relaxed Concert For Grown Ups With Little Ones. I had been to a B’Opera (Baby Opera) class earlier in the year at Birmingham Hippodrome and we really enjoyed it. So were very much looking forward to the new session being held at the Church.
We pulled up onto the car park of the beautiful Church and headed inside.
Inside we were greeted by Zoe, who welcomed us with her usual smile and charm. Zoe is the lady who runs the group and you can’t help but smile when around her as she gives off an abundance of positive energy.
We headed over to the area where the concert was about to begin and sat down on the floor, ready (seats were available too).
The 35 minute musical concert for the session was being performed by G-Mizz, a percussion duo comprising of George Kirkham and Miriam Kitchener. The two made a great duo – bouncing off one another. They had a fantastic ability to almost mesmerise the children when they performed or spoke. With a room full of smiles from parents and children, it’s quite obvious to say that they were a hit choice for the opening concert.
The duo were great at interacting with the audience and had us up on our feet taking part in games and dancing. All the while, not just giving the children a chance to enjoy music but also to learn educational skills.
One section had us dancing/parent shuffling whilst shaking musical instruments that they had previously chosen, in a circle, but it was teaching children their lefts and rights at the same time whilst also finding a beat with the music and steps.
There was a game of musical statues too, which had the best explanation and example of how to play, that I’ve seen or heard before. It’s almost expected that everyone knows musical statues, so most parties we go to, it isn’t really explained to the little ones other than to shout “keep still” when the music stops. But before starting Mariam and George gave a really good example and description of how to play, which obviously worked as the children played properly and I didn’t hear any adults having to tell their child to stop moving.
The duo kept the children and adults entertained with fantastic percussion versions of In The Night Garden, Thomas The Tank Engine, Peppa Pig and other childhood favourites. Jemima clapped along at parts and you could see that she was really enjoying it.
Jemima chose two egg shaped shakers from the musical instrument selection and moved them to the beat of the music. Managing to match the beat at times.
She also rolled them along the floor too… As children do :-). But this was the beauty of this concert, it’s relaxed, and kids can be kids.
When the percussion session ended, Zoe and her colleague Jac joined us on the carpet and sang some nursery rhymes with us all for a further 10 to 15 minutes. The children really enjoyed this and there was quite a bit of singing within the room. Jemima particularly enjoyed twinkle twinkle and hickory dickory dock.
Very often with Jemima, I struggle to entertain her for a full session and she will start to fade and want to explore the room or building that we are in. But credit to all involved, she didn’t wander off once. Her attention was kept for the whole time. Joining in with the songs, the dance moves and the actions.
It was really nice to see so many parents joining in too. Often as adults we get embarrassed about singing or dancing or doing nursery rhyme movements, but everyone seemed relaxed, friendly and eager to join in here.
When the nursery rhyme section finished, the doors were opened to the kitchen and side room which had been turned into a play room. But before we explored that, Jemima wanted to experience some of the instruments. And G-Mizz were kind enough to let her and some of the other children explore (thank you).
After we had explored the instruments and said goodbye to G-Mizz we headed to where everyone else was… Enjoying tea/coffee and cake whilst the children played with an abundance of toys. Books, colouring, baby mats, cuddly toys, puppets, pop up tent…
The tea and coffee are included in the price of the ticket and a voluntary contribution is expected when choosing a cake.
I’m not gluten free myself but was happy to see a good selection of items for people with allergies. Jemima dived into the chocolate brownie which I had a bite of and thought was delicious and she had some strawberries, grapes and banana too. Other options included flapjack and cherry bakewells.
It really was a fantastic spread with something to suit everyone. Jemima enjoyed it that much I think she may have had thirds. As when I was saying goodbye, she was still trying to take grapes.
The session finished at 11:30 and everyone was talking about how lovely the class was. I’ve seen some comments on Facebook since saying how friendly everyone was and I have to say the same. There were no cliques or groups of people who stuck together (sometimes you can find this in sessions) everyone was happy to chat to each other and the children all played lovely together too.
So if you’re looking for something a bit different, a feel good session that runs once a month, intertwines music play and education together while allowing both the adults and children a good time, then this is the session for you.
Why don’t you join us on the 20th June at 10am for the next session.
Disclaimer: I was invited along to the session in return for an honest review. All views are my own and Jemimas. And if you saw my instagram post @smallhousebigtrips- she thought it was Amazing!
Hey, if you liked this review or maybe were inspired to try this out because of my post, you can always buy me or the kids a drink or a slice of cake on our next big trip! Just hit the button below, if you want to. 🙂
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