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Spotlight On...
Chorus Partnership
The second half of our chorus partnership with Russell Byers Charter School took place on Wednesday, May 17th, when the RBCS Horsefeather Singers spent the day at SRV. We began by walking through the woods to the Rose Valley train station, where we met our 33 guests, who arrived by train. Hiking back together helped solidify budding friendships between children and provided some excitement, such as walking over the narrow, wooden footbridge above the creek. Snacks, rehearsal and a quick tour preceded a great concert, the highlight of which was the "Come On and Sing Along" performed together by both groups.
The visiting singers joined SRV children for lunch in their classrooms and were then thrilled to have a sunny outdoor recess. Afternoon brought a very relaxing quiet time, followed by a rousing round of "I Let Her Go," an American folk dancing game with partner switching. We ended, as always, with a large group reflection, in which children shared what they noticed about the day. Adults listened in awe as each child spoke up to the group of more than 60 people and expressed their thoughts and feelings. Many children remarked on how different the two school environments are, and how much easier it was to talk and play together during the second visit than the first.
Although this partnership has consisted of only two visits a year, it is a powerful experience for everyone involved. With gentle teacher coaching and music as a vehicle, both groups of children have broadened their horizons. They have peeked into a different life and recognized both cultural differences and unifying common ground. These experiences are an important foundation to educating for citizenship in a pluralistic democracy. Many thanks to the parent volunteers who helped make the partnership possible.
