Practice Makes Perfect

Ola!
  Today was less hectic than yesterday, thanks to smaller classes and people gaining a better idea about what we're doing.  Fun fact from yesterday- we were interviewed for a Brazilian radio station! How crazy is that?! I don't think we'll be able to hear it air, but I do know they'll be coming back to hear the concert. I am totally excited! 


 I introduced my 9:00 class to the game of "Jamie Says". (I mean, let's face it, who IS Simon?). I am pretty sure they enjoyed the game better than singing with me, but that is quite alright. At least they had a good time doing something! 


My high school class at 10:00 is so eager to learn. It is actually quite heartwarming.  I have three boys in this group whom I refer to as "The Three Stooges". Teacher that I am, I really should remember their names, but there have been so many to memorize! I'm working on it...Anyway, my 'stooges' arrived well past 10:00. I was nervous they weren't coming back!  We have now expanded our repetoire to include English and Latin songs. I am hoping they'll sing for me in Portugese next!  One of my boys asked me to sing Amazing Grace to him. He has an amazing voice, and loves the song. Would you think they had their cell phones at the ready to record me singing? Well, they did- imagine that.  Later on, I heard them playing the recording back to their friends. It was pretty cute.  


I also love my adult class. Being the oldest in the program, they can handle a more sophisticated approach to learning songs in a new language. News flash: they don't have music written out the way we do (music staff, etc..). They read the words only and memorize melodies by rote. I do that at times back home, depending on who I am teaching. We had a success today! We could sing Alleluia as an actual round! Two-part harmony!  They did a beautiful job and asked me to write out the words to the English songs for them so they can read it and speak it. Hopefully they will use these songs in the future, so I am all about accommodating! They also sang The Prayer of St. Francis in Portugese for Sue and me and it was really beautiful. They will definitely be singing that at our concert next Friday! Speaking of concerts, Fr. Joe Potter has decided he will attend it next week! YAY! That makes me infinitely more nervous about doing a good job, but I am so glad he will be able to share the evening with us. These people love him and Father McCall- it's good to have them here. 


Dinner tonight- Brazilian Pizza!! Very excited for that. No idea what to expect, but that makes it all the more fun! Be ready to try all of my new found foods once I get back ;) Oh, and if you see a bottle with peppers and the word FORTISSIMO on it, please assume it's very spicy. 


Love, Jamie

My 10:00 high schoolers. The Three Stooges are on the right.