John Farrell: Newsletter

December, 2010 Greetings Friends, I hope this finds you and your loved ones in good health. We had another peaceful Thanksgiving this year with family and friends. We celebrated without Katie and Jack because Jack is in the Republic of Georgia teaching English, and Katie is traveling as she heads home after two years in the Peace Corps in Cameroon. Maggie is student teaching and will graduate with a degree in Elementary Education in December; Colleen transferred from SUNY Geneseo this fall and is now a junior at the University of Virginia; Patrick recently returned from three months in Alaska and California. Ann Marie is teaching second grade this year and enjoys it but her school, like so many others, is facing serious challenges created by cuts in staffing and budgets. Each year it seems that teachers are being asked to do more with less support. It is a difficult environment, and my admiration and respect go to all teachers who continue to give so much of themselves to help children learn and grow. Thanks to all of you for all you do. Tour With South African Group From November 1 to 17 I was on tour with the South African group Thula Sizwe. We did 39 programs together at 23 schools and churches. The ten-man acapella group is based in a township called Soshanguve, which is near Pretoria. They perform song and dance pieces that introduce audiences to Zulu and African culture. I introduced the group at each program with a presentation about southern Africa, Nelson Mandela, apartheid, and current living conditions in South Africa. I also coordinated our homestays, did a song or two at each program, and drove the van. It was a great experience. The group received over $28,000 in fees, donations and sales during our time together. Thank you to everyone that reached out to help us. Bridges of Peace and Hope Heroes Award Presented On November 13 at the “Joining Hands Around the World” concert in Danbury, CT the Bridges of Peace and Hope Heroes Award was presented to Mrs. Pamela Rogalin, a teacher from Brookfield, CT. For over 18 years Mrs. Rogalin has been the director of a volunteer project to bring assistance to needy families in Nicaragua. The concert featured performances by Thula Sizwe, Kofi Donkor and Sankofa, and over 100 students from the AIS Magnet School, Stadley Rough Elementary School and other area schools. Thanks to everyone that helped. Help With School Bookings The dramatic cuts in school funding have had a severe impact on arts in education programming. My school bookings for 2010-2011 are down significantly. Several schools that have booked programs each year in the past have not done so this school year. I understand completely and will try to find a way to visit these schools if at all possible. I did programs for no charge at some of these schools last spring and teachers were appreciative. If you are in a school that would like to schedule a program but need help with funding please call (845-216-1939) or email me hoperivermusic@yahoo.com or contact Mary Jain (607-965-8983) mdayger@stny.rr.com. The need for music and programs encouraging respect, cooperation and understanding is greater than ever, so we’d like to help if we can. GREAT GIFTS: Another effect of the economic and electronic changes has been the loss of CD sales. Not many people are buying CD’s anymore. Still, many teachers and parents come up and tell me how much they appreciate and enjoy listening to my CD’s. It is gratifying when someone tells me that “SEASON of LIGHT, HOPE and PEACE” is an important part of their family holiday tradition, or that their children learned a lot about animals and nature from singing along with the songs on “ALL AROUND US.” CD’s and books make enduring and educational gifts, even if they are a little “old fashioned” these days. CD’s available include; 1. How About You 2. The Sons and The Daughters 3. Touch the Sky 4. All Around Us 5. Season of Light, Hope and Peace 6. Working Together The book Dear Child (with CD) is available and Stargazer’s Alphabet may also be ordered. We thank you in advance for considering ordering books and CD’s for the holidays and we wish you well and hope to hear from or see you soon. Wishing you peace and good health this holiday season! John Farrell