Chorus Contest
Mood:  lyrical
Now Playing: Singin in the halls
How can i describe my feelings of watching a whole school of junior high students all singing their hearts out in the hallways of our school 6th period? In a conversation with one of the Japanese English teachers she confided that teaching an academic subject is such a small part of what these teachers do. I watched a 75 year-old "retired" teacher (he's returned to teach MATH 3 days/week) joyously conducting a group of 14 year-old boys. Another teacher was so proud and happy with his group of first graders. They were all sitting cross legged on the sidewalk literally singing at the top of their lungs. Accompaniment music was streaming from boom boxes all over the school. This is the time of year for the Chorus Contest. Each homeroom competes against the other at each grade level. This is an amazing thing. Every student in the school has sheet music and is part of a group depending on voice range. The 3rd grade boys were incredible singing with their bass voices echoing in a stairwell. Teachers flitted here and there to encourage the kids but each group had a leader and co-leader who directed with virtually no help from the teachers.

I think the most amazing part of the whole experience was watching the joy and happiness in the teachers and the kids. It's hard to not make comparisons with the states. This just wouldn't happen where i come from. Not only the students but some of the teacher would think it was stupid and just not get involved. Someone would drag their feet and ridicule the others and before you know it the spirit would be dampened. Not here. Everyone loves the music. No one is embarrassed to sing at the top of their lungs - even if they are a bit off key. Sometimes the innocence and enthusiasm overwhelm me and i wish i could stay here forever.