Black Author Creates Fun Toy Marching Band For Kids Inspired by Her Children’s Book

Nationwide — It’s a child’s marching band (with actual toy devices) began by Stephanie Singleton, the writer of The Adventures of Ryan & Riley and Mr. Teddy Bear, and the organizer of The Adventures of Ryan & Riley Youngsters’s Marching Band, for youths ages 5 to 10 years.

For the reason that launch of her ebook in 2014, accessible on Amazon, Singleton has remodeled the narrative right into a vibrant mentoring platform and nonprofit group.

“I wished to present youngsters a secure place, simply to have enjoyable and to discover their creativeness,” mentioned Singleton.

Eleven years later, she has efficiently introduced the story to life, offering kids with a pathway to think about, socialize, and develop important life expertise by way of music.

Based on the story ebook’s rules of obedience, respect, and accountability, the kids’s band makes use of actual toy devices, which permits them to march to the beat of their very own drum. Actually!

Analysis from PBS signifies that kids aged 3 to five start to develop their identities, underscoring the significance of socialization at a younger age.

Singleton explains, “Though socialization is necessary at any age, getting kids concerned and lively early could assist stop shyness and different insecurity points.”

The American Psychological Affiliation helps this, noting that early engagement may help kids construct relationships and kind friendships.

“Our toy marching band not solely encourages musical exploration but in addition serves as a robust software for constructing self-confidence. When the parade or occasion begins, these youngsters step into the highlight—it’s lights, digital camera, motion. They’re on monitor to realize greatness,” Singleton remarked.

The Adventures of Ryan & Riley Youngsters’s Marching Band has already made waves in the area people, performing in a number of Ohio parades this yr, together with the celebrated Canton Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame Enrichment Parade. (See video)

And on September twenty seventh, 2025, they’re on the point of carry out alongside the Firestone Excessive College Marching Band throughout a halftime soccer sport.

For folks searching for to encourage their kids’s desires and aspirations, The Adventures of Ryan & Riley gives an thrilling and enriching mentoring program.

To be taught extra concerning the band and its nonprofit mission, comply with the ebook and the band on Fb