Gunma Language Center & Language Academy Christmas Party 2010
Gunma Language Center & Language Academy Christmas Party 2010
On Dec. 13 we had GLC & LA’ Christmas Party for children and adults aswell.
The children were very curious what was going on the Christmas Eve while they were watching a play, “The night before Christmas” presented by the teachers. Kyle Butler was a father and John was Santa. Their performances were marvelous. The children sang "The Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Happy Christmas.” They played some games and made Christmas cards as well. It was fun.
The adults party was held at the Royal Hotel Hall with a beautiful night view. The participants enjoyed the same play as the children and a few games as well. Kyle’s singing with his guitar was great The candle light moment while singing ‘Silent Night’ and then making a wish or praying was moving.
Next year we will have the 20th Christmas parties.
The 19th music class was held at Gunma-machi church from 6:00 to 8:00 on Nov. 21. During the first session we sang several Christmas carols in Japanese including “Gloria,” “Silent Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “The First Noel.” The pianist was Ms. Jyunko Hukushima and Mr. Kozo Imai taught the songs. We enjoyed an early Christmas, singing Christmas carols.
After a coffee break, Mr. Kyle Butler taught “Hello, Goodbye” by the Beatles and “Happy Christmas, War is Over” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. His singing with his guitar was wonderful. A lot of Japanese have heard the melody of “Happy Christmas”, but singing this song in English is not so common, so we enjoyed learning and singing this song while remembering John Lennon. It gave us time to think about the real Christmas in December.
Kimiko H
Gunma Language Center & Language Academy Christmas Party 2009
The 18th Music Class was held by Gunma Music and Culture Association at Gunmamachi Christian church. In the first session, a young American musician, Kyle Butler, performed “Love Me Do” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Next, he taught us the song. Next came “Amazing Grace” by John Newton. Kyle explained how this song was written. Newton was a slave trader who later regretted what he was doing and turned to God. Most of us already knew the melody, so our singing became loud and lively.
In the second session Syuryu Okabe played the Koto. He played an Indian melody, an Okinawan melody, and then a traditional Japanese melody. It was very interesting to hear Koto music played in three different styles. The participants who are not Japanese were particularly interested in the instrument and asked him many questions. There were 29 participants and the church was full. Everyone was friendly and enjoyed the music.