Gwen Rosenblatt
Gwen is a certified teacher, holding a BA in music therapy from Elizabethtown College and a Master of Education degree in special education from William Paterson University.
She has worked at the Somerset ARC and Woodbridge Developmental Center and as Program Director of the Resource Center in Arlington Heights, IL. In addition Gwen has given presentations and published articles on music therapy and on independent living alternatives for persons with developmental disabilities.
As a performer, Gwen has specialized in playing the flute, but also passed exams for piano, guitar and voice. Currently she gives private lessons in flute and piano. Gwen and her husband are the parents of three children. In her "spare time" she leads two Girl Scout Troops, serves on her school's Staff Appreciation Committee and is involved in numerous PTA activities.
At Brookside Church Gwen is responsible for three children's choirs. This involves planning, preparing and teaching as well as performing on Sunday mornings and for the Nativity Pageant, the Christmas Eve Service and the Children's Sunday Service in June.
Gwen notes that her diverse background in music and education has given her unique tools to work with young children and that her in-depth training in child development, psychology and education helps her to understand children and promote their learning.
As Gwen writes, "Music provides a great avenue for worship and praise for children and is a wonderful opportunity to open the doors of worship for them. It allows them to be involved in the service and be spiritually and musically enriched. Music is an integral part of our worship service and also offers learning tools for children: new ways to learn about the Bible as well as experiencing and learning about music. At Brookside we incorporate many opportunities to learn about the elements of music as well as exploring music through vocal and instrumental activities--and to have fun, too. I am really inspired by seeing the children's enthusiasm, musical growth, and dedication."