by Ms Diane

As we returned to classes the first Saturday after Spring Break, MusiCares had the opportunity to visit the HKJC Yee Hong Care and Attention Home. This visit was suggested and organised by one of our grade 7 MusiCares students.

In February, MusiCares students had tried out a number of new pieces to add to our “Hong Kong repertoire”. They chose “The Moon Represents My Heart” as the piece they would like to add to their set. From February through the day of the HKJC visit, our schedule did not allow for another MusiCares meeting, and so students had to prepare their music independently.

In addition to the brand new piece, there were two other pieces which younger MusiCares members had not played previously: Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and “Over the Rainbow”.

The day of the performance, after instrumental choir and before heading out to the Care and Attention Home, we got together for 30 minutes. During that time, we organised the programme order, assigned leaders for various pieces, and students had a chance to play through the new repertoire together.

It’s wonderful that MusiCares gives students the opportunity to take the lead on organising activities, choosing and preparing repertoire. This was a huge undertaking for students to prepare independently, and they were able to use their teamwork skills to play well together with little rehearsal.

Congratulations!