Key Takeaways
- The Rogers Historical Museum and the Rogers Public Library are offering a free, once-a-month program called "Museum and Me" for children aged 3-5 to foster interest in history, reading, and museums.
- The program features a themed story and activities each month, with topics including winter comforts, Lunar New Year, baseball, and trains.
- Northwest Arkansas piano teacher Tomoko Kashiwagi has been inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame for her outstanding instruction and leadership in acoustic piano education.
- Kashiwagi is a renowned pianist and educator who has performed extensively throughout the United States and abroad, and is the associate chair of the music department at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Introduction to Museum and Me
The Rogers Historical Museum and the Rogers Public Library have collaborated to offer a unique program called "Museum and Me" for children aged 3-5. This hour-long, free program is held once a month at the museum and aims to foster interest in history, reading, and museums among young children. Each month, the program features a themed story and activities designed to engage preschoolers and encourage them to learn about different topics.
Upcoming Museum and Me Programs
The upcoming programs for "Museum and Me" include a variety of interesting topics. On January 13, the program will focus on "Warm Winter Comforts," exploring different ways people stay warm during the winter. In February, the program will celebrate the Lunar New Year, which is the Year of the Horse in 2026. The session will delve into the history and traditions of Lunar New Year and how it is celebrated. In March, the program will focus on the history of baseball in Northwest Arkansas, coinciding with the start of spring training. Other upcoming topics include Arkansas State Beverage – Milk in April and Trains in May, highlighting the importance of trains to Rogers.
Program Details and Registration
The "Museum and Me" program has a limited capacity of 30 youngsters per session, and registration is available at rogershistoricalmuseum.org/museum-and-me. Parents and caregivers can sign up their children for the program, which is designed to be an interactive and engaging experience for young children. The program includes stories read by museum educators and creative crafts based on the monthly theme, making it an excellent way to introduce children to the world of history, reading, and museums.
Pianist Tomoko Kashiwagi Honored
In other news, Northwest Arkansas piano teacher Tomoko Kashiwagi has been inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes Kashiwagi’s outstanding instruction and leadership in acoustic piano education, as well as her commitment to teaching in her community for over a decade. Kashiwagi is a renowned pianist and educator who has performed extensively throughout the United States and abroad. She is the Emily J. McAllister Endowed Associate Professor of Piano and Collaborative Piano and associate chair of the music department at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Tomoko Kashiwagi’s Achievements
Kashiwagi’s achievements are impressive, with a performer diploma in piano performance from Indiana University and a doctor of musical arts degree in collaborative piano from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been the official pianist for numerous conferences, competitions, and festivals, including the Menuhin International Violin Competition and the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference. Kashiwagi is also the artistic director of the Ozark Music Initiative, a nonprofit organization that provides year-round educational opportunities for young musicians and enriches the cultural life of Northwest Arkansas through world-class performances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the "Museum and Me" program is an excellent initiative that aims to foster interest in history, reading, and museums among young children. The program’s themed stories and activities make it an engaging and interactive experience for preschoolers. Meanwhile, Tomoko Kashiwagi’s induction into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame is a testament to her outstanding instruction and leadership in acoustic piano education. Her achievements as a pianist and educator are a inspiration to many, and her commitment to teaching and performing continues to enrich the cultural life of Northwest Arkansas.