SING FOR LIFE! SING FOR LOVE!
SING YOUR SONG!
The moment we first emerge into this world, we cry out loud and strong. As we develop a grasp of language, we use timbre, pitch, rhythm and articulation to creatively and playfully communicate with each other. We are comforted by the tones of our loved ones and enjoy sharing our voices with others. We were born to express ourselves and to connect with others through sound.
Singing is an expression of the heart and has a profound effect on our state of being. Every culture on the planet has music and almost every culture sings. Singing reflects our moods and concerns. Singing gives us a peace of mind. It also lets us vent our frustrations and passions Children sing to share their identity with others. They sing together to discover their collective strength as a community. What happens in children’s juvenile or teenage years that suppresses this fundamental desire to sing? What happens to a child’s self-esteem and perception of identity when they are told not to sing because their voice is not good enough to be heard!
As music teachers, we have been entrusted with a powerful tool that is essential to musical development, but can also provide a significant influence on a student’s personal growth. This symposium will explore how singing not only develops students musically, but effectively contributes to the development of the fully-rounded person.
Our challenge as educators is to guide children to develop their own voice and to nurture their confidence – to believe that they have a voice worth hearing. The collective knowledge of the presenters at this symposium will provide experiences that explore the aesthetic worth and power of singing. We can look forward to a most interesting time exploring the amazing possibilities.
Sonny Chua, aMuse President
