On cue, they troop in formation onstage, following Kisor into the footlights to sing a score of children's songs he has written. Kisor's halo of hair nods to the beat and his blue eyes twinkle in approval as the minimusical troupe whispers and stomps on command. Onstage, the Covington resident is simply magical with the small set.

On Friday, Kisor celebrates the release of his CD, "Beautiful Baby, Wonderful Child." It features exotic instrumentations, including Native American flute and Nepalese singing bowl.

Music is magical, Kisor says. "Song engages the whole brain, and when we sing things we remember them."

As music director for Children Inc. of Northern Kentucky, he leads 400 or so tiny tots each week. His philosophy is somewhat unconventional. "I never go in to 'teach the children' or teach down to them," he says, noting that he learns with the children and they have much to teach one another.

"Music is a wonderful learning medium," explains Tom Lott, deputy executive director at Children Inc. who collaborated with the composer, providing the brain development research upon which Kisor writes songs. "They're designed to help the caregiver stay in that moment."

Kisor's new CD is geared for children up to age 3, and designed to coach caregivers in building resilience in their babies.

In addition to being an early childhood arts educator, Kisor holds a graduate degree in music composition from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and has composed 10 musicals for local theaters, most recently the sunny "Ugly Duckling," a show that inspired audience singing at its December opening at the Ensemble Theatre.

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David Kisor is a hero to the local toddler set who adore his music.
 

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