As any parent will attest, there are some adults who are kid magnets – pied pipers who attract children to them with a special chemistry. The Ah Haa School has a knack for securing such instructors, and two of the most spectacular are Ulli Sir Jesse and Sally Davis, who are teaching classes for kids of all ages this fall.

In September, local music diva Sir Jesse offers her wildly popular, eight-to-12 week Kindermusik classes for newborns to 3-year-olds starting Sept. 21. The Kindermusik program, which is designed to tap into babies' innate sense of sound and rhythm to enhance development, is also one heck of a fun way to spend time with your infant or toddler. And with the charismatic Sir Jesse at the helm, children open up and become engaged in ways that consistently surprise parents.

"Kindermusik enhances the bond between parent and child so they get to know each other on a deeper level," Sir Jesse says. "Parents can continue to play with kids at home and I've seen that when parents do, they have a deeper relationship with them afterward."

Using the scaffolding principle that builds on participation from the youngster, the Kindermusik program develops naturally in tune with the child. Sir Jesse also finds Kindermusik kids often cultivate a love for music that continues. But the biggest bonus is that the way the material is presented makes it fun and enjoyable for the parents.

"Parents get great support from meeting other parents, and the atmosphere is very accepting for all kinds of kids," she says. "But the music is also really wonderful, and the songs are great – not the kind that you just endure."

In mid-October, Davis begins her popular series of printmaking, sculpture and theater classes. A veteran of art, theater and children's programming that includes the local favorites Mudd Butts Mystery Theater Troupe and Circus Holus Bolus, Davis is like a fresh spring rain on the fertile soil of youngsters' imaginations. Whether the medium is paper, objects or action, she is an alchemist with children who doesn't give up until she finds the right chemistry.

"If I'm not having fun, there is something wrong with the way I'm presenting the material and I'll change direction on the spot," Davis says. "There is a certain amount of improv to my classes that keeps me on my toes to keep the energy moving."

Underlying that flexibility is a solid structure of values and objectives that makes Davis's classes at once entertaining and educational.

"The work is about exploring self-expression and building self-confidence and community, even if it's just a group of five," she says. "Amazing things happen when kids take ownership of what they are doing and begin really working together. They get a lot of life lessons in developing these qualities that, even if they don't pursue art, will serve them well in life."