After only a few days, we have fallen in love with the students at St. Anne’s High School and Kapkemich Primary school. Every day we are greeted with waves, hugs, handshakes, and questions about our day. Their sweet personalities, playfulness with each other, and eagerness to learn remind us so much of our students back home.

The girls at St. Anne’s, in particular, have been gracious, patient, and open with us as we have asked them to do many unaccustomed things. Making bubbles and singing through straws (SOVT), matching voice pitch to a bouncing beach ball, and doing many different (and dramatic) forms of movement while singing must have seemed very odd to the girls. Nevertheless, they have embraced methods of easing vocal tension and the use of learning tools for creating a blended, balanced choral sound.

We rehearsed with the girls from 7pm-9:30pm. The singers were rockstars as we worked tediously on a passage for alignment of pitch, word inflection, and blend. We showed the St. Anne’s HS singers many different techniques for learning musical passages, as well. Watching the girls’ faces light up as their sound finally melded into a beautiful passage gave me chills. Our evening concluded with a small dance party celebrating the choir’s hard work. Celebrating the kids enthusiasm, giggles, and pride in musicianship. has been a highlight of each day.

Working daily with my colleagues Dr. Jamea Sale and Christine Freeman at St. Anne’s High School and Kapkemich primary school has inspired my continued growth as a teacher. I have always respected them greatly, but teaching alongside them daily and watching them interact with the students has made my appreciation for them grow tenfold. In a few short days, I have learned many tools and ideas that I will excitedly tuck into my teaching toolbox to try out with my students back home.

Even more so, the way my colleagues are invested in the girls as whole persons and not just as musicians is absolutely beautiful. Daily mantras from them have included “strong women use their voices in any way they can” and “be the change you want to see in the world.” Teaching music is important, but reminding and affirming a sense of pride and strength in your students’ personhood is even more worthwhile. I am humbled and honored to work with Jamea and Christine and to have their friendship.

Students rehearsing Bluebird with Christine Freeman, MME