We arranged for a keyboard from the Mission, which arrived two weeks after our coming to Bocaiúva. Everyone was excited to finally have a "piano" for their hymns, plus a person who could play it (Sis. Thomas). We offered lessons and started teaching. At first, there were several kids intereste--or rather, intrigued; but no adults were able to come. After a few first lessons, then lots of no-shows and waiting for long periods of time at the church, it became apparent that they weren't ready for committed attendance to lessons or practice. After we realized that the kids had hoped to learn how to play the Casio in a lesson or two (like it was a new video game), and lost interest. After we were transferred to Campo Largo, where the youth and young adults had been well prepared and were motivated to learn, I LEARNED another reason why piano lessons were not successful in Bocaiúva: Brazil uses the "Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Si" system, not North America's "A-B-C-D-E-F-G" system! . . . . | . . . So, the next few days after this realization, I had to teach it to myself, learn a whole new music system and vocabulary, and change teaching methods to match their system. My students were MUCH more receptive, motivated and successful! |
A FEW PIANO STUDENTS IN BOCAIÚVA DO SUL, June 2014 - February 2015
MOST OF THE PIANO STUDENTS IN CAMPO LARGO, June - October, 2015
Hold your curser over each picture for names and comments.
Hold your curser over each picture for names and comments.
There were others who started lessons, but for one reason or another, couldn't continue (Táina, Maria de Lourdes, Leticia, ___, ___, ___). For example, 17 yr. old Rodrigo (not shown) was another piano student for a while, until his school schedule changed and he couldn't come when I was available. His twin brother plays very well; I think he wanted to learn, but didn't realize that it is a long process to learn to play the piano. He often brought his Simplified Hymns to the church and practiced the piano in the Primary room. I hope he will soon be asked to play for Priesthood.
CAMPO LARGO WARD CHOIR, June - August, 2015
Funny story: When we first came to Campo Largo, Bishop Elico Santo asked me to help with the choir, and prepare for the August 30th Ward Conference. I assumed that was a call to be the choir director AND pianist, somehow. The first week, I came prepared with a grand plan. Just as I began talking, Bete (Primary President) came in and took charge (I didn't know that she was also Ward Music Chairman, Sacrament Meeting Chorister AND Choir Director). Apparently, she had tried to tell me, when she gave me the two songs we would be singing; but I couldn't understand her running Portuguese! I smiled at Dennis and quietly walked to the piano, where I was expected to be . . . and no one knew the little drama that had just taken place. Dennis and I laughed about it for quite a while. We practiced nearly every Sunday to sing "Helaman's Warriors" and __?__. Then the choir disbanded.
ÍGUAÇU STAKE YOUTH CHOIR, July-September, 2015
The Campo Largo youth were kept very busy with activities and challenging assignments. They were assigned to sing in the Stake Youth Choir in The November 1st Íguaçu Stake Conference. Since now the Campo Largo had a Chorister (Bruna) AND a pianist (Sister Thomas), permission was granted for our youth to stay in Campo Largo for initial practices of two very difficult songs ("A Child's Prayer," EFY Medley "As Sisters in Zion / We'll Bring the World His Truth"). I was given EXTREMELY POOR COPIES of music to learn. I couldn't even see some of the notes on several pages, or even see where they were on the staff. The Stake music leaders couldn't give me better copies, so I spent hours--days--guessing what notes were meant to be played and re-writing the music. I still didn't do very well on the medley. When the Stake Music Chorister came for a couple practices, she was patient, as Bruna had been, but disappointed in my accompaniment of that music! After that, the youth traveled to Curitiba. Oh well, I did my best.