It was almost 9am when we arrived at the TCI studio. Alexias, Serena, Keiffany and Aunty Flora were getting ready and changing into their TCI tshirts. Andreas came in soon after parking the car and it seems everyone knows their part in our Musical Journey today.
The Little Musical Stars students are coming in one by one and looking like they had just woken up. In the meantime, our own TCI Kids (students who have been coming to TCI for over 2 to 4 years) are also arriving in time to look after the little ones. The afternoon class, The Entertainers, are also starting to arrive. Most seem like they are still not fully awake at 9am/930am, and just sits down in the studio awaiting for someone to come over to welcome them.
We start welcoming each student with a happy greeting of 'Good Morning!', and introducing The Little Musical Stars (morning class) to the Entertainers (afternoon class). We proceeded with the Energy Circle, for a little warm-up. After warming up, we get the kids to go through the positions for each of the songs.
I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing, which would be the first time for both classes to join up to perform our school's theme song. I was so touched to hear them trying hard to make sure the words 'FURNISH IT' is separate and clear =)
Sing - another song which both groups will sing together. This is sung with me playing the piano. I had previously assigned the 4 groups into A- B - C- D group, as I wanted to challenge the kids' focus. awareness and memory skills when singing the song. For example: After the intro, I will call out group A and they will start singing until I call out another group or two to continue the next line or verse. I have found this method an excellent way to get everyone to have their turn to sing the song where they can practice without having pressure to remember all the lyrics at one time and still enjoy the learning process =) It is really amazing to listen and watch how the kids connect to each other and to the song while performing! And, of course, it's a great song!
Chai Sum Yat Ji (All Hearts Unite as One) Cantonese
Yoong Yo Yi Gur Jia (We Are One Family) Mandarin
This was originally called the Toronto SARS song as it was written by a Canadian group in Toronto, (sorry I forgot exactly which band that wrote it and it was called You Belong Here) and it was back in 2003 during SARS that I was asked to sing in Chinese for the city of Toronto.
I asked my students, Bonnie and Shelley to help write in Cantonese and Mandarin respectively, but only the Cantonese made it for the commercial release all over Toronto on television and radio, to promote unity among the people, especially the Chinese.
All the kids were so energized and I could feel the power each time they sang 'Chai Sum' - Hearts Together, Yat Ji - United as One! Yoong Shin - Use Our Hearts! Yoong Yo Yi Gur Jia - We are One Family! This song is a favorite of mine and hopefully we can get to record it soon as it can be such an uplifting song for any occasion.
Seasons of Love - Another favorite song of mine which I have been teaching for almost 8 years! The kids just picked it up so naturally and I wish you could see how united their voices sound together, much more like an ensemble than a choir. Gosh, it's incredible how these young kids learn so fast! What a joy! =)
I Really Love You - the Chinese song by Beyond. Another favorite as there are additional English lyrics written by my daughters, Alexias and Serena. Giving thanks to their Mom for the support she gives to the children in learning music and giving them unconditional love.
'When you hold me in your arms, I feel so safe and warm. Let me say to you 'I really love You!'
So sweet. Always brings tears to any mothers' eyes.
Summer is FUN!!! - A new song for our Summer Camp this year. I had really wanted to have an original song especially for our kids and with the help of Alexias and Serena, we got it! It is a happy, energetic, fun, danceable, funky and POP song! =) Alexias helped choreograph the song and the kids really had so much fun! It's wonderful!
And finally the last song : A Thousand Suns/The Body Electric
I had taught this song a few years back and always loved Body Electric, but did not know there was a Cantonese version of it. It was so well written by Uncle James Wong that it was a breeze teaching it to the kids. Of course, the kids made it their own and really packed the power behind it when the line 'When I shall become one with the SUNNNNNNN!!!!!' At the end, there would be the English and Cantonese singing together ' And in time and in time, and in time and in time, we will all be STARS!!!' Cantonese: Boon Ngo Hung, Si Yau Yee, Yeet Ngo Sum, Si Nay Yat Gor, Mo Yan Hor, Chui Duk Sik, For Tai Yeung Cheen Gor.........!!! =) Fantastic!!!
Summer Camp at TCI cast:
Little Musical Stars: QQ (3 1/2), Melanie, Audrey, Ophelia, Ying Ying, Yu Yu & Eily
The Entertainers: Curtis, Camilla, Zoe, Chloe, Jade, Jasmine, Sam, Ho Ming, James, Yvonne, Gillian, Chin Chin, Chien Ning, Nicole Tong, Nicole Ng, Keiffany,
TAs: Nancy, Regina, Aunty Flora, Alexias, Adee, Clement, Serena, Keiffany, Audrey, Kelly, Anson, Vanessa
TCI Kids : Anson, Audrey, Kelly, Keiffany, Vanessa, Alexias & Serena. Our new TAs are Nancy & Regina, both from Vancouver and joining the full program for 5 weeks! Adee Wong, our Camp Director, informs us that, we will be having over 50 students for the performance!!
Little Musical Stars' Songs performed:
1. I Like to Teach the World To Sing!
2. Sing
3. ABC - TCI's new version
4. Three Blind Mice
5. Wheels on the Bus
6. I Like Colors - New TCI Kids song
7. The Muffin Man
The Entertainers' songs:
1. I Like to Teach the World To Sing!
2. Sing
3. I Really Love You
4. Chai Sum Yat Ji
5. Yoong Yo Yi Gur Jiah
6 Seasons of Love
7. Summer Is Fun!
8. A Thousand Suns
TCI Kids : Me Gusta Mi Cerrebro Dance - original song by TV Carpio. Choreographed by TV
It was a great performance and the kids gave their best! Thank you all for making another week at TCI a memorable week! Thanks to all the parents who supported their kids! A thousand kisses and hugs to our TCI Team: Andreas (my hubby) Alexias & Serena (my lovely daughters), TV (my eldes daughter), Adee Wong, Aunty Flora, Clement and all TCI Kids & TAs and their parents.
Looking forward to our next week of great fun, music, dancing, laughter and singing! Happy weekend everyone!
With Love in Music,
Miss Carpio & TCI Team
