Calling, calling...SHELLINGPEAS and THIRTY PENCE.

[captaincogsworth]

Hi.
You two were SO helpful when I first started thinking about doing my pre-school music classes that I hoped you wouldn't mind me picking your brains a little more.

I'm after a decent parachute but on a bit of a budget (aren't we all?!).
The ones I can get easily all seem rather small at about 3 metres as they only recommend them for up to 8 children.
Is this good enough for smaller children (thought I'd get two) or have you got a company you'd recommend?

Also do either of you have a particular percussion instrument supplier who is best?

I'm getting to the point of starting now and I need to source a few bits (without going mad on quantity or price!!!)

Hope you don't mind me popping up again and asking.
Cogs.

Oh gosh - my name in a thread title! How exciting!

A 3 metre parachute is fine for the under 5s - I think mine is 3.5m but any larger and they do have problems with lifting it. I think it's do with the number of handles - although mine all have at least 12.

Chutes are in the bedroom at the mo and DH is sleeping but I will check and answer more tomorrow.

If you google maudesport - they have a range of chutes at reasonable prices. I got a target chute from them last year and it works well with my pre-school groups. Maudesport is also good for dance related things like floaty scarves, ribbon sticks etc and also hoops and balls if you're going down that route with movement activities.

Instrument suppliers - try MESdirect.com (part of the TTS educational supply group) who are very large and reasonably priced, although they can be slow and unreliable with deliveries. I have a wholesale account with Halilit which is good if you like plastic!

So when do you hope to start classes? It sounds like you've got things in motion so best of luck.

You are so good. Thank you.

Hoping to go for September.
Have ordered the Lynn Kleiner book and now looking at parachute, instruments and puppets.

I will check out those companys now - happy with plastic as it's probably better for the younger ones - easier to wipe the dribble off!!!! I'll go for a selection of wooden as well for the pre-school age probably??