This week began on Sunday with a trip to the north of the island to see the gibbon project. Some of the English teachers were nice enough to bring me along for a hike through the jungle to try and spot some gibbons that have been reintroduced to the wild. We didn't see any gibbons on the trek, but still enjoyed a nice, sweaty morning getting some exercise in the woods, followed by a spicy Thai lunch and some beers.
King Gibbon (via google)
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Music class this week was a transition from daily activities to creating our songs for the performance on the 27th. My group of younger students worked on writing the lyrics to their song about peace and we decided together on some of the musical elements of the song (tempo, rhythm, etc). I pieced together a melody and some chords based on a collection of their suggestions for lyrics, and now we are rehearsing the song and working on the arrangement. The more advanced class is working in three smaller groups, each on their own original song. Most of their time this week was spent in these groups, writing their lyrics and music as well, taking suggestions and guidance from me as we progress. Next week we will continue polishing the songs, rehearsing, and hopefully get a start on recording the songs. Cool stuff!
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All is good at Darasamuth. I am starting to get to know the staff and the students a little better now.
Each day when I go to eat breakfast the Thai teacher who I eat with asks me "is it delicious?" and of course I say "oh yes, very delicious," regardless of what I'm eating.
Working with the kindergartners is super different for me and usually quite fun. Almost always cute and ridiculous.
In the evening, when I come back to my room after eating dinner, I look out at this big Buddha statue on one of the hill tops in the distance. The sun has usually just set and the air is cool with a slight breeze. I can hear a few students laughing and playing below. Sometimes I can see the Thai staff or the sisters walking on the other side of the building. I always wonder how they occupy their time after most of the students have gone home, but I'm too shy to go over and see.
Every night I think about how lucky I am to be here. I am very grateful. I don't want to overdo it with the gratitude or anything, but in a lot of ways this is a dream come true for me. To be able to see the world, play music, and share music with others is truly a gift.
Halfway through this workshop and I still have 7 more countries to go. What?!
Until next time,
-T
Music class this week was a transition from daily activities to creating our songs for the performance on the 27th. My group of younger students worked on writing the lyrics to their song about peace and we decided together on some of the musical elements of the song (tempo, rhythm, etc). I pieced together a melody and some chords based on a collection of their suggestions for lyrics, and now we are rehearsing the song and working on the arrangement. The more advanced class is working in three smaller groups, each on their own original song. Most of their time this week was spent in these groups, writing their lyrics and music as well, taking suggestions and guidance from me as we progress. Next week we will continue polishing the songs, rehearsing, and hopefully get a start on recording the songs. Cool stuff!
-------
All is good at Darasamuth. I am starting to get to know the staff and the students a little better now.
Each day when I go to eat breakfast the Thai teacher who I eat with asks me "is it delicious?" and of course I say "oh yes, very delicious," regardless of what I'm eating.
Working with the kindergartners is super different for me and usually quite fun. Almost always cute and ridiculous.
In the evening, when I come back to my room after eating dinner, I look out at this big Buddha statue on one of the hill tops in the distance. The sun has usually just set and the air is cool with a slight breeze. I can hear a few students laughing and playing below. Sometimes I can see the Thai staff or the sisters walking on the other side of the building. I always wonder how they occupy their time after most of the students have gone home, but I'm too shy to go over and see.
Every night I think about how lucky I am to be here. I am very grateful. I don't want to overdo it with the gratitude or anything, but in a lot of ways this is a dream come true for me. To be able to see the world, play music, and share music with others is truly a gift.
Halfway through this workshop and I still have 7 more countries to go. What?!
Until next time,
-T
Fong with her ukelele on Valentine's Day
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