By Gail Wingfield & Jess Baron | Director of Development & Executive Director
I am excited to bring you up to date with the progress of our songbook for hope, help, healing and comfort. Each week we hear more stories in the media about suffering and loss as a direct result of racism and racial profiling. These stories cause grief, devastation and social unrest, often resulting in violence. This is especially difficult for children. Their teachers understand and have been drawing upon the songs and musical teaching techniques they’ve been learning in their GITC training courses this winter and spring to directly, sensitively, and creatively cultivate understanding and student self expression. Our book continues to expand with input from the teachers!
We recently held a special workshop for classroom teachers for the purpose of sharing some of these songs and to learn about songs that have meaning for them. The experience was uplifting and inspiring to the teachers. When they shared the songs with their students the music had the effect of restoring connection, amplifying joy, administering care and teaching kindness.
Our teaching artist residencies that include these songs- and their history- as a part of musical learning have continued throughout this school year as well.
The songbook is growing and will soon begin a new stage of development as we work on clearing copyrights so we can produce a physical book to place in classrooms next school year. In the meantime, please visit our blog page listed below as a link to learn more about how GITC music is helping to include all students and is addressing the important topic of social justice.
We are thankful you continue to empower us to make it possible. You are love in action, and we are pleased to be your messengers.
With love, hope, help and healing,
Gail and Jess
Links:
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