I’ve been invited to go to Albany today to see the new Bishop Maginn Music Room that the refugee students of Bishop Maginn High School spent days cleaning up and getting ready for their new choir and for music classes.
I’m happy that Maria and Red are coming with me to meet the music and art students and to see the room. She hasn’t met the Bishop Maginn crew, they already feel like family. Sue Silverstein wrote me last night to say that what we have done for the school is amazing. So is she.
I’ll be taking some photos, and I want to do a video interview with some of the singers in the newly forming choir, supported so enthusiastically by the Army Of Good.
I’m also pleased to be bringing Paw Lway Shee another $50 as payment from a blog reader for her third painting. I hope she has another one, there is a waiting list.
If she wants one, her career as an artist is launched. I want to thank you all again for your generosity – we’ve taken big steps towards funding the choir and the school’s reborn music program.
Because of your support, Principal Mike Tolan has decided to restore the art and music programs, suspended due to money troubles and the great distractions engulfing the Catholic Church. The school, and in trouble, but still very vibrant, is on the mend.
Bishop Maginn is the last Catholic High School in Albany, it focuses on poor children, minority children, refugee children. It is a haven and refuge for the needy and vulnerable, which what faith is supposed to be about. They are the real deal.
For these students, many of whom have spent much of their young lives in refugee camps, and whose refugee families have so little money, a choir is about much more than making sweet noise.
It is important to them, it is about singing their song and finding their voice in their new world. The choir hopes to travel all over the city and the area to sing their music and let the world know they are alive and happy to be in America.
The problem with Red is that once I bring him somewhere, I don’t dare show up without him again. He is a charmer, a radiant spirit. He loves to do this work, so I will bring him and try not to wear him out.
The school would love for Maria to talk to one of the art classes, and for me to talk to one of the writing classes. We’re up for it.
The choir will hopefully start-up in September, Judi, a veteran choir director, has agreed to lead the choir without charge.
Some blog readers – retired choir directors, I see that is a sub-culture all of its own – have sent boxes of music.
The Army Of Good has purchased music stands, a donor has sent $1,500 to the school for the choir, and we have been purchasing art and music supplies on the new Bishop Maginn High School Wish List.
Only one item remains on the list, a few packages of drawing paper for $11.95 each, and I am being mature and refraining myself from buying them. People often tell me they would like a shot at some of the items, they disappear too quick.
The energy and enthusiasm of the students and teachers at Bishop Maginn is infectious, I’ve caught the bug.
A block of clay and some drawing paper are still there. If you wish go take a look. I’m looking forward to today. I’ll report back tonight when I get home.