Most volunteers’ projects in Ukraine have very noble goals. For example, people help their schools to get clean water, provide entire communities with learning materials, and open doors to countless opportunities that will help Ukraine achieve its goals as a nation. That said, many volunteers also find a way to incorporate their passions and interests into projects, such as leading a basketball camp, organizing an art group at an orphanage, or having neighborhood clean-ups.
My big thing here is books. But more on that later, as today we are focusing on ridiculous flights of fancy.
My dream project is to start an after-school music club. My students really love learning songs in English and one could say that I am just catering to their interests. That is, until you find out that what I really want to do is start a Broadway-esque Showtunes Club, that would frequently perform for the citizens of Donetsk.
Some of the numbers I would like them to perform include:
“It’s the Hard Knock Life“- Annie
“I Won’t Grow Up” – Peter Pan
“Consider Yourself” “- Oliver!
Thinking about these songs, I get really out of hand and start planning how maybe I could orchestrate a recital where they’ll sing anything and everything Julie Andrews, from Mary Poppins’ “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” to The Sound of Music’s “My Favorite Things” and “So Long, Farewell.” Of course, I may need to have some voice lessons because part of what makes this so appealing to me is that I will get to pretend that I’m Julie Andrews, in all of her majestic glory.
Since I’ll already be developing my vocal prowess, I will also go ahead and perform “Getting to Know You” from The King and I. This song is especially perfect because it combines several things I adore: singing, kids, singing kids, and talking about how darn much I love everyone the more I get to know them.
Needless to say, I don’t think this is going to happen. Although my childhood is filled with memories of my family singing along to “Rent” while driving in the minivan, watching Mary Martin’s Peter Pan countless times, dancing for hours to “Fame”, and falling asleep to songs from The Fantasticks, I realize that this is not really typical. (Although I’m sure you are jealous of how precious my family’s sing-a-longs are.)
Still, a volunteer can dream. And since I’m dreaming in a country that isn’t super strict about keeping religion out of schools, my group of musical superstars would totally perform Godspell.
Dear Elise, Your memories of your family sing-alongs are so spot on. I remember your Mom singing broadway songs to you girls for a lullaby. The songs you have chosen are wonderful and it would also be a great tribute to Julie Andrews (not your Mom’s real mom, but don’t tell her) to include songs attributed to her.
I think Godspell is one of the best musicals ever and I love Steven Schwartz’ music..
Love you so
Dear Elise,
Oh I loved this blog!! I can picture your students sounding and looking so sweet and happy singing in English. Can you pleeeease video them/you tube them singing at least one song you teach them?
My darling girl,
It may sound cheesy, but music truly crosses all cultures. And if you want to put on a show, do it! Those are wonderful songs that every child should learn, and I think you’re just the girl to teach them.
I’ve always loved Godspell and your Aunt Huddie played a mean “Turn Back O Man.” (Julie Andrews really is my mom, Aunt Huddie only has half a brain so she doesn’t remember.)