As 2012 has rung in, I'm ready to embrace some new projects-- a website remodel, new recordings, performances with a great new guitar-partner, and some originals coming out soon.  Also I'll be producing another big spring story concert, this time with the River Montessori school kids.  Check back for  updates on all this as the coming weeks unfold...

Well, the last Bija Children's Choir performance in October was a well-received success. I heard that the Grandmothers planned to watch us on video during their council in Brazil. Thanks again to all of my wonderful choir families who participated-- I miss seeing you weekly and hope that new music activities have come into your children's lives.

There have been some nice reviews on my latest album with Blue Brazil: Gema in various jazz magazines over the past few months. Challenge Records has been giving it a good push. Winter bookings are underway-- please check back!

Meanwhile, things are settling in with my classes at River Montessori Elementary School in Petaluma. I've really enjoyed getting to know all of my new students and their classroom teachers, and I see a promising and fun year ahead. I've also been working with my daughter's 5th grade Expeditionary Learning class at Apple Blossom School, teaching a few choir songs for a Gratitude Evening performance for their families in November.

What always excites me in working with any group of kids is their overall craving for movement, dance and personal expression anytime they get the chance to. They are so ALIVE! (And full of ham, lol.) The challenge is to harness that energy from potential chaos to something productive and artistic, which begins with Listening. Good listening skills are so paramount to musicality, and to life in general, that this is my number one agenda in classes. More on that great subject next time~

Just the thought of a council made up of 13 strong grandmothers from 13 different lands, tongues, traditions and cultures lifts my soul-- the collective wisdom that these women bring is something that I definitely want to hear. I will have that chance, along with my beautiful Bija Children's Choir members, as we perform for their benefit concert on Saturday October 8th, 4pm, at The Guerneville Plaza at corner of First and Main. I hope to see you there~

Dearest Bija community, I am now able to announce the bittersweet news that the end of our lovely choir organization is very near.

I will not be offering any new children's choir classes, but rather I extend the invitation to ALL Bija Choir members from over the past few years-- that means Concert, Prep, & Junior Choirs-- to join in one last rehearsal on Oct 1st and performance on Sat October 8th at 4pm in Guerneville, which is a big benefit event for The Indigenous Grandmothers' Council-- an organization very much in line with our mission of sowing seeds of healing, peace, and harmony for the generations to come.

We will perform the following "old" songs, which I will soon put up on this site for you to download mp3s and lyrics: Siyahamba, Panama'm Tombe, Fika Netso/Mano Efe/Ayelevi, She's Like The Swallow, Sambalele, Somos El Barco and Ipharadisi. Please email me if your child is interested in participating, and there is no cost involved, only a commitment to be at the rehearsal and performance in full spirit!

As to the reason why I am ending, it is so that I can be home for my own growing daughters during the afternoons. My girls are my first "seeds" that need my care.  I will now be teaching in St Helena and at another location during the school day, and still performing with my band. The great news is that I have someone who is interested in starting a new choir in January, and more info on that can be found at the Sebastopol Community Ctr website, www.seb.org.

I extend my gratitude to all who have participated in The Bija program-- you have enriched my life and I hope our classes and concerts have inspired you to carry forward with your artistic dreams, as The Bija Children's Choir was for me. Blessings to all~

It seems to be the case for many people I've spoken with, that the winds of change are now swiftly upon us...me included.  Due to protocol, I need to wait a few days before disclosing all the juicy details, so please check back by the end of next week for all changes pertaining to my music offerings.  Thanks for your patience!