Little ones are invited to make music at Florin Church of the Brethren during the Little Notes music ministry. The program is held from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on the second, fourth and fifth Thursdays of the month at the church, 815 Bruce Ave., Mount Joy, and is open for children up to kindergarten age and their caregivers.

"Little Notes is a program we offer to introduce children to music," said Jan Chavez, program director. "We'll get out a variety of musical instruments for the children to play with. I'll play some sing-along songs. I like to include songs they know and pepper in some new ones for them to learn."

The program, which is free, also features play time and other activities. "We'll have parachute time and snack, and I might play a DVD or do a simple craft or coloring page with the children," Chavez stated.

To stay as safe as possible during COVID-19, the program is held in a large space where participants can spread out, and all snacks are individually wrapped. Chavez also sanitizes all instruments between sessions.

Chavez started the program two years ago as a way to give back to the church she's belonged to her whole life and to provide a musical opportunity for preschoolers.

"I have a little bit of background in music. I grew up taking piano lessons, and I was in the orchestra," she noted, adding that she enjoyed taking her two children to music programs when they were young.

Participants in Little Notes can expect a laid-back atmosphere, she remarked, adding, "It's a very informal, relaxed environment where the kids can just be and do and have fun and learn. They can touch the instruments, hear how different ones sound and learn what their names are. It's also a time for the adults to meet other people and socialize."

Although the program typically runs during the school year, Chavez said she plans to extend it through the summer this year to make up for missed weeks due to school closures.

She emphasized that she relies on the support of Jodi Kerlin, church secretary, to help her run the program. She also said everyone is welcome to attend with their children, whether they live in the Mount Joy area or not.

"This is something fun for anyone with little kids," she said. "I invite anyone to come and check it out any week."

For more information on the program, readers may call Chavez at 717-715-5977 or the Florin Church of the Brethren office at 717-653-1202 or search for "Little Notes at Florin Church of the Brethren" on Facebook.