Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Music Excursion

 Hey, guess what? The foyer moved this week. It’s what happens when you’re in “nomad mode.” You can do excursions. And what a great day it was for an excursion!


A few of us went to visit one of our congregation’s most favourite projects. We’ve been sponsoring a program for early childhood music education at the Guelph Youth Music Centre. As longtime supporters of Guelph Children’s Foundation food programs it occurred to us that families that struggle to afford breakfast and meet summer food needs for sure don’t have extra money for music lessons.

Ours is a group with a long musical history, many gifted musicians, singers and instrumentalists from ‘way back. We also have a firm belief that we’re “called according to our gifts.” And we are very much aware of the many, many benefits music brings into the lives of children and of families. All this led to our decision to establish a music bursary to give some of our neighbour families the chance to experience some of those benefits. Families can apply through the Children’s Foundation or directly with the GYMC (Guelph Youth Music Centre).

Sunday we had the opportunity to see a demonstration class with three little ones, their moms and GYMC’s amazing teacher. As one of us said “Carmen is a star!”

What fun we had. And it was such a joy to experience the rhythms, the singing, the dancing, the story telling, the drums and the xylophone. We got to be the beaming grandmas and grandpas receiving smiles and waves and general glee in the room.

We’ve been invited back. If you missed it, you really must try to come. Maybe next time we’ll bring our instruments and play for the children.

If you agree that this is an amazing project we’d love to direct your donations to this Music Program. We’re more committed than ever to continue our support to this community of JOY.

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