Showcase NightLife
A Day in the Life of Alice “Allie” Weiler
By RYAN BEARDSLEY — rbeardsley@sungazette.comArticle Photos
Weiler said she writes songs on all kinds of topics for kids, such as on being a good listener, peace, believing in your dreams and even on frogs — a metaphorical tool Weiler uses to symbolize taking a leap to achieve one’s goals.
Weiler also writes “grown-up” songs, as well, and said they often are ballads that are very serious with a great deal of sentiment, while others are “just plain silly with a big twist of fun!”
In 1999, Weiler released her debut album, “We Don’t Monkey Around,” and in 2003, she released “Chase Your Dream.”
Weiler said she enjoys the coffee house circuit and playing for local festivals and fairs. Her children’s music also has her traveling to area day cares, school assemblies and wherever her music is requested.
Weiler said her songs have been written about special people in her life — family, special friends, colleagues, etc. — and special events and memories in other’s and her own life — weddings, retirements and other special occasions. Weiler noted that she often gives her songs as gifts — polished and recorded in the studio — to those whom they are written for.
“It’s a joy to see their faces — and sometimes their tears — when the songs are either presented or personally sung,” Weiler said.
Music always has been an important part of Weiler’s life, she said, from the time she was a child participating in chorus and choir, as well as playing the piano and the flute.
Weiler started playing the guitar in her early 20s, and began writing simple children’s songs.
“They were always written with a theme or a moral, to try and bring the sunshine back into the kids’ lives,” Weiler said. “I like to have the kids learn something from the song while being entertained, a form of ‘edutainment.’ ”
Weiler said that since she’s picked up the guitar, it’s been one of the most wonderful ways to touch people’s lives.
While she enjoys writing for all ages, she seems to have a knack for writing for children. This is no surprise, considering Weiler’s professional career as an elementary counselor.
At Loyalsock Valley Elementary School, Weiler works with students kindergarten through fourth grades and counsels them on anything they might be having trouble with, be it emotional, attentive or motivational issues affecting their lives and schoolwork.
Weiler counsels the students in either small groups, individually or in a classroom setting, and often incorporates her music into lessons and sessions. Weiler also is a support to parents with regard to any kind of family issue, including discipline strategies or behavior plans.
Weiler serves as a link to help families get connected with services within the community, and is a member of Montoursville School District’s “School Team,” which makes decisions on how best to help children who struggle academically, behaviorally and socially.
Weiler has been with Montoursville School District for 20 years, and was the first elementary school counselor hired.
She said one of the greatest aspects of her job is taking a child who may be struggling with a small or a big issue and helping he or she to handle that issue.
“I like to see the smiles come back to the kids’ faces,” Weiler said. “I like to say that I have the best job in the world. It’s been a wonderful career and I truly feel that the stars lined up for me.”
Weiler added that writing songs and working in the school district always has been a natural fit.
She finds that music often serves as a helping avenue to bridge healing and communication in students.
It was through her work with children and her songwriting that Weiler came up with the idea for her own “edutaining” DVD, “Down at the Toolshed.” The DVD contains tips, tools and tunes for kids to help them succeed and achieve their goals.
Weiler worked with Scott Francis, owner of Mind’s Eye Music Studios, music producer Johnny J. Blair, and Bruce Huffman, Pennsylvania College of Technology instructor of media arts and video production, among others, to create the tool for educators working with children ages 3 to 10.
“This was such an unbelievable project to come together,” Weiler said. “It’s an idea I’ve had for several years. I hope children and adults alike get inspired through the DVD to always be able to learn and have fun — to take the big leaps, to always have a dream to chase.”
Weiler’s records are available by visiting www.cdbaby.com/allieweiler and the “Down at the Toolshed” DVD is available at Gustonian Gifts or by e-mailing Weiler at aweiler@uplink.net.
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