The last two days have been so much fun. The two groups were a joy to work with. So many new faces!
This year we are trying something a little different. Our older group, 3rd-5th grade, do Samba on Tuesday and Thursday and our younger group, Kinder-2nd grade, do Samba on Wednesday. This way each group get the focus they need and all the different sections get the attention they need.
First day of Samba was a little crazy, but picked up and ended with a BAM! It always great to see just how much kids remember even after a few weeks break. Our older group is the primary instrument group. This year they have about 5-6 songs that they will be learning, one of which is being written and composed by the wonderful directors :-) Our younger is mainly our dance group. Today they got to learn the dance to Magdalenha as well as had the opportunity to start learning the basic Samba Reggae rhythm on the instruments. They are all really excited to get started.
Seeing how many kids are interested in joining the group this year just pushes us even more. Each time we start we question whether or not we should continue and if kids will be interested and without fail kids show up. I am not sure about Alfie but for me its so much fun to work with the little ones. Especially Kindergartners. They get super excited to learn something new.
All in all Samba has started on a great note. WE couldnt have asked fora better group. They are all talented in their own way.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Summer ...To another year.
In Lak'ech
You are my other me
if i do harm to you
I do harm to myself
If I love and respect you
I love and respect myself
This poem was the main focus of our summer. Teaching the students that by loving and respecting others you love and respect yourself. We will continue to focus on this during the school year.
It was wonderful to to teach the students something that has a lot of meaning to it. And for them to not just learn the poem in English but in the Mayan language as well. Our hope was that by the time summer was over they would have grown a little and would know what life is about. That its not always about themselves but about those around us in our lives.
This summer was also a busy summer. With Mr. Alfie preparing for his audition to the Berklee College of Music, our Samba Group prepared to put on a show at a fundraiser to help Alfie raise funds. They learned new rhythms and breaks. Best of all two of our very own came up with their own Loopie Break. It was such a proud moment for us both to see them work on something and see it come to life.
It was also a growing and learning experience for both of us. Learning how to approach the students what works and what doesn't. Learning to listen to them more and take what they say more seriously. Kids are full of life and have many great ideas. Their input is greatly valued.
As we get ready to start the school year our Samba calendar is starting to fill up! Its so exciting to know that what just started as a fun little group is becoming well known throughout the community. THese kids really deserve it. they work really hard. Most people do not realize that they practice almost every day for over an hour sometimes two. And for the most part they do it with a smile on their faces. haha
We look forward to growing and working closely with the Samba group. To continue to bring the joy of music to our community. To work together as one.
We invite to join us for a fun ride this year!
You are my other me
if i do harm to you
I do harm to myself
If I love and respect you
I love and respect myself
This poem was the main focus of our summer. Teaching the students that by loving and respecting others you love and respect yourself. We will continue to focus on this during the school year.
It was wonderful to to teach the students something that has a lot of meaning to it. And for them to not just learn the poem in English but in the Mayan language as well. Our hope was that by the time summer was over they would have grown a little and would know what life is about. That its not always about themselves but about those around us in our lives.
This summer was also a busy summer. With Mr. Alfie preparing for his audition to the Berklee College of Music, our Samba Group prepared to put on a show at a fundraiser to help Alfie raise funds. They learned new rhythms and breaks. Best of all two of our very own came up with their own Loopie Break. It was such a proud moment for us both to see them work on something and see it come to life.
It was also a growing and learning experience for both of us. Learning how to approach the students what works and what doesn't. Learning to listen to them more and take what they say more seriously. Kids are full of life and have many great ideas. Their input is greatly valued.
As we get ready to start the school year our Samba calendar is starting to fill up! Its so exciting to know that what just started as a fun little group is becoming well known throughout the community. THese kids really deserve it. they work really hard. Most people do not realize that they practice almost every day for over an hour sometimes two. And for the most part they do it with a smile on their faces. haha
We look forward to growing and working closely with the Samba group. To continue to bring the joy of music to our community. To work together as one.
We invite to join us for a fun ride this year!
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