Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Why I like to perform at our annual holiday show

Today was our annual holiday show at the high school.

A bunch of teachers put together a show every year--a variety show with singing acts, dancing, and just downright silliness.

We have a blast, and many students seem to appreciate it.

For me, it's about relating to students, and sending a message.

I love to dance. For me it's a sort of celebration of life, and it's a privilege to share this with them, even if it means wearing an elf suit and tights. And I want them to know it's OK to make a fool of yourself.

And I love to sing. Music is a language that penetrates deeply into whatever it is that makes us human. When I sing, I like to pick songs I think they'll relate to. This year was Apollo. I can't hold a candle to Amba Shepherd, but I love the lyrics, and I love to see them listening intently as I sing.

And I really am singing to them. Sometimes as I sing, I'll look out into the audience at a student listening intently, and I wonder if they are taking this message personally. I hope they are. I want them to know that I'm human just like them, imperfect, struggling, just like them. I want them to know I'm their equal, their friend, that we're in this together, and that I care.

And I want to encourage them:
Just one day in the life
So I can understand
Fighting just to survive
But you taught me I can
We are the lucky ones
We are, we are
Oh we are the lucky ones
We are, we are

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