ALENA HOLMES
"Florida Christmas" is a heartwarming musical comedy written and composed by Alena Holmes. In the heart of sunny Florida, where palm trees sway and ocean waves sing, a delightful cast of coastal creatures prepares for an unforgettable Christmas celebration. Follow Alonzo, a lovable alligator, on a quest for a White Christmas in Florida, and join the spectacular show with diverse songs and dances representing the diversity of characters and musical genres. The tale imparts crucial messages on environmental awareness, friendship, and the power of music and unity. Alligator Alonzo's wish inadvertently turns Florida into a frozen wonderland, but in a climactic moment, Martha the Mockingbird uses music's magical power to save the state. 'Florida Christmas' is a musical feast that celebrates Florida's nature, animals, birds, and the extraordinary magic that unfolds when we unite in the spirit of the season.
Florida Christmas: The Musical
Studio Cast Recordings
stay tuned for more
Music Creativity Lab
EDUCATION, PERFORMANCE, PRODUCTION
Alena Holmes owns the Music Production and Education company Music Creativity Lab and is the founder and director of three summer music camps.
SONG SISTERS PROJECT
NEW RELEASE
BIO
Alena is a Professor and the Coordinator of Music Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Originally from Belarus, Alena Holmes started her career in her native country where she taught general music, choir, music theory, and piano, worked as a musician and singer with popular bands and concert organizations, and had numerous appearances on popular Belarusian TV and radio shows. She then worked as a music teacher, singer, and musician in China, Bahrain, Italy, and the United States. An active teacher, clinician, researcher, and musician, Dr. Holmes has given over 60 presentations throughout the United States and in Malaysia, Italy, Greece, Australia, Brazil, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. She has been published in multiple national and international journals including Music Educators Journal, Journal of Education and Training Studies, Perspectives: Journal of the Early Childhood Music & Movement Association, GSTF International Journal of Music, Wisconsin School Musician as well as a variety of conference proceedings. She is the author of the chapter in the Oxford Handbook on Assessment Policy and Practice in Music Education.
Her primary research areas include early childhood music education, multicultural music education, music education in Eastern Europe, internationalized approach to instruction, world music preferences, undergraduate research in music, and autobiographical studies. Dr. Holmes has received several awards, including the Excellence in Research from the UW-Whitewater Music Department and the UW-Whitewater College of Arts and Communication; Excellent in Service from the UW-Whitewater Music Department, and David Wilmor Prize for Excellence in Music Education from the University of Florida.
She served as Early Childhood State Chair at the Wisconsin Music Education Association and has been on the advisory board of Music Educators Journal.
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She is the owner of Music Production and Education company “Music Creativity Lab” and founder and director of three summer music camps.
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In addition to her teaching, research and composition work, Dr. Holmes is a singer and songwriter, performing in educational, professional, and community contexts throughout the U.S. Her recent work includes writing the musical "Florida Christmas," which premiered in December 2023 at various stages in Florida.
SUMMER CAMPS
Magic Door
Imaginative Children's Musical
At Magic Door, we believe that every child possesses a boundless imagination capable of creating extraordinary worlds. Our project is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for creating a musical inspired by the vivid and fantastical landscapes that only children can dream up. Magic Door offers three flexible options to suit your needs, ensuring an enriching and creative experience for all participants. Option 1: Pre-Selected Imaginative Songs. Create the world of wonders with our collection of pre-selected songs that transport your imaginative lands. Perfect for those looking to quickly get started, this option allows you to choose from a variety of songs that have already been composed, arranged and choreographed. Let these songs serve as the foundation for your musical production, sparking creativity and excitement in your students. Option 2: Inspire Creativity with Existing and New Songs. Combine the best of both worlds by selecting some of our pre-existing songs and encouraging your students to create new ones. This option comes with detailed lesson plans for songwriting, guiding you through the process of inspiring your students to unleash their creativity. Watch as they craft original songs that reflect their unique visions of magical lands, blending seamlessly with our existing repertoire. Option 3: Full Creative Freedom For those who seek complete creative control, use our flexible framework to guide your students in creating an entirely original musical from scratch. This option empowers your students to dream big and bring their imaginative lands to life through music. With our comprehensive framework and lesson plans your students will develop their songwriting skills and produce a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Why Choose Magic Door? Foster Creativity: Encourage children to explore their imagination and express themselves through songwriting. Flexible Framework: Adaptable to your needs, whether you prefer pre-existing songs, a mix of old and new, or a completely original creation. Comprehensive Lesson Plans: Detailed plans that make the songwriting process accessible and fun for both teachers and students. Enriching Experience: Provide an unforgettable experience that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and confidence.
