MFMII Showcase Concert 2020

Children from a variety of schools in Fremont and Newark made their professional stage debut before an audience of 700 parents, friends and relatives as well as community members who definitely agreed that music unites us all and yes, “makes the world go ‘round.” Songs were sung in different languages, and students played boomwhackers, sticks, drums, recorders etc., and moved to the beat with great joy. All of this happened thanks to their dedicated volunteer music docents that MFMII trained and supports in their weekly music enrichment classroom lessons. MFMII offers these performance opportunities for children so they can share their musical gifts with others which spreads that joy and can unite a community.

MFMII partners with the Fremont Youth Symphony (FYSO) and the Virtuoso International Flute Ensemble (VIFE) directed by Judy Lam who also sits on the MFMII Advisory Council. Both groups joined in sharing wonderful classical music which inspired the children. A few recorder students from Birch Grove Intermediate in Newark were honored to play with FYSO having been taught by their MFMII docent. Another community partner, Taiko Drumming expert Terry Eustice, introduced some Taiko Drummers who mesmerized the children and audience.

The highlight of the concert was of course the 300 students rehearsed and directed by their wonderful volunteer MFMII music docents. There is nothing like seeing and hearing that many students singing and signing their hearts out and being filled with joy because of the beautiful, exciting, age-appropriate music that feeds their brains while touching their hearts. One of the songs, “When the Lights All Shine” sung and signed by Hirsch Elementary in Fremont, enabled the audience to participate as midway through the song, everyone was told to put on the lights on their cell phones and swayed to the music giving all the children a breathtaking sight.

The concert culminated in the finale songs “Circle the Earth With Peace” which was sung in many languages followed by “See You Later Alligator” which definitely ended things on a powerful and fun-filled “note” for the children and the audience too.Our thanks to Harbor Light and our primary sponsors, the Fremont Bank and the Intero Foundations who supported our successful event as well as the Tri-City Voice for its valued publicity.

Music not only “makes the world go ‘round” but it is essential to the healthy development of children and definitely enhances their academic success and positive community impact.

Visit www.musicforminors2.org for photos/videos of the showcase concert.