Singing Together… “They’re really saying, I love you!”

What a wonderful afternoon of children “Singing Together”. The All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis (ACCA), a non-profit organization, consisting of children in second to seventh grade from the greater-Annapolis area, reached out to GiGi’s Playhouse to share an afternoon activity of songs together, culminating in a “Winter Mini-Tour” performance for their families.

Led by ACCA’s Managing Artistic Director Lauren Walker, twenty-six children from the ACCA met with a group of GiGi’s Playhouse participants ages 8 to 17 years old. After shaking the “sillies out” through some stretching exercises, the children warmed up their voices by singing some non-sense word, tongue-twister songs, sharing some rhythmic clapping interactive games and giggling and laughing together in a large circle.

They had a chance to learn and practice three songs together, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, “You Can Count on Me” and “Zippity Doo-Dah”. They even worked in small groups to choreograph some movements for the mini-concert. Feeling confident with their repertoire, they shared in some refreshments, added each of their thumbprints to a “GiGi’s Tree” community painting, and had time to relax together.

The plan for the final half hour of the day was to perform their songs in a mini-concert for siblings, parents, and grandparents in the audience. The group pulled it off like professionals, but there was a surprise… one of the GiGi’s participants had a secret passion…break dancing, which he displayed on cue in front of the whole chorus and audience to great applause!

There is nothing sweeter than hearing children’s voices rising together in song and seeing everyone included!

As the children’s voices merged together singing the lyrics to “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, it was evident that an intentional local get together like this plants the seeds of global acceptance for all… “I see friends shaking hands, saying, How do you do? They’re really saying, I love you!”

 

“What better way to spend an afternoon than singing with friends, expression through movement, and building lasting memories. As a parent it warms my heart to see inclusive interaction and genuine joy in each other’s company. When I asked my daughter how she felt about the Sing Along, her response was pointed, but held so much meaning. “Great!” And it was truly great. So thankful to GiGi’s Playhouse and all of our new friends from the All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis for a fun-filled afternoon.” Samantha, GiGi’s Parent