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~