February, 2004 - Nr. 2
Toronto Connection
A Tribute to the Rosewood Home-school
Is there possibly a nicer way to begin a new year than by experiencing something purely sweet, fresh and hopeful in this troubled world??
The little community centre of the quaint hamlet of Haysville, near Kitchener was the place to be on the crisp afternoon of January 4th. The hall was decorated cozily with evergreen boughs, shiny straw stars, red candles and intricate homemade tissue stained-glass style decorations in the windows. The Rosewood Home-school group comprised of 13 children and youths from the ages of 8 to 15 presented a very impressive concert of instrumental and choral music. The group is dedicated to giving the children quality education, fostering German and folk culture and preserving their childhood---something that is progressively disappearing in our society and hugely vital, I think.
The concert began with samples of something they do for fun at home on their farms instead of watching TV. or playing video games ----they call it "Hausmusik" (house music). Each family ensemble delighted us with German, Austrian and English folk and classical pieces played on different combinations of guitar, flute, trumpet, recorders, cellos, violins, ukulele, Celtic harp and zither with each mother accompanying on the piano. The talent of these young people is remarkable.
The concert continued with the performance of Carl Orff’s "Christmas Story"---like a children’s Handel’s Messiah. (The Rosewood families held this performance a second time this January day since my family’s busy performing schedule did not allow us to attend their concert in December.) What a beautiful, masterful production it was! The story was primarily told by the three youngest students playing the roles of three woolly-clothed shepherds. Looking as darling as Hummel figurines, they so clearly and earnestly spoke of the star, the angels and the Christ child and charmed us all thoroughly! All the music--a complex score--was played and sung by the 13 youngsters in a wash of choral arrangements, solo parts, and orchestral passages with more instruments such as xylophones, percussion, and every size recorder. A therapeutic, rejuvenating afternoon: I only dream that all children would be given such a pure, wholesome and protected start to their lives.
My family and I have known these wonderful children and their families for the past 8 years and have had the honour of close friendship. These children are the Rosebuds. They follow close behind the Forget-me-nots. Isn’t it encouraging to hear that this is still possible??? Knowing of this sparkle of hope on the western horizon lifts up my spirit---I hope it does yours.
Do you have stories of this sort to tell? Please let us know and write to us.
Comments to: rachel@echoworld.com
