Like the final cut on a feature film, the polished program we enjoyed on Monday night grew out of a great deal of effort and support. So, I’d like to give you a little behind the scenes look:
- The hard work of our children was clearly evident. In addition to learning the songs (lyrics and tune), they learned their individual parts, and then rehearsed blending their voices with others and enunciating clearly. Even their posture, expression, and breathing were the result of deliberate instruction and rehearsal.
- Teachers provided that direct line of communication and authority to the students throughout the rehearsal field trip and the event itself.
- Joshua Ku from Trinity Church did a superb job as the piano accompanist.
- Jessica Fant, Lisa Lim, and Kathy Katoa offered their talents as photographers for the event-- all moms who know what kinds of pictures moms want.
- Warren Kamamoto video recorded the event for our future enjoyment.
- Laura Wilson, Anne Marie Baker, Ben Moore, and Cris Eberle stepped in where needed for crowd control, etc.
- Todd Kawakami transported and set up equipment for both the rehearsal and the program.
- The Kawaiaha’o Church liaised with us through the day rehearsal and evening event, also arranging for a sound booth technician.
- Nancy Keegan and other school staff got the word out, sent plans and reminders, and answered questions.
Nearly every teacher at Trinity sees Jonathan in action, and I routinely hear how he genuinely cares for the students, knows them by name, and inspires them in the instruction of music. This is no easy task given the range of ages and the skills required to motivate them. Finally, he loves his students and it showed in the giant smiles of encouragement he gave to each group singing on Monday.
This, of course, is representative of what all our teachers do—working with a diverse group of students and garnering their interest and attention toward the work of learning, while treating them as individuals made in the image of God, and loving them.
In Christ,
Stephen Sprague