COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECTS UK
SPAFFORD CHILDRENS CENTRE
Jerusalem
The children needed to teach Cap’s Chris Millin, visiting from London, a new vocabulary so that all could take part in a wonderfully creative workshop of exercises based on musical rhythm designed to transition into art.
Easels were set up and paper and paint provided. Soon the courtyard was buzzing with creativity. Children started to draw and paint the things they had imagined. Some worked in pairs and some in groups while others carried on playing rhythms and melodies on their instruments.
“Wahid, itnein” (one, two) they shouted, “Shmel, Ye-meen” (left, right) as they stamped their feet, gaining momentum and moving to the rhythms. From English to Arabic the bridge went over. Then it was time to introduce musical instruments! The children pounced on the drums and quickly impressed Chris with some amazing rhythms they had already learned. Moving outside into the courtyard, with an array of instruments, the children were instructed to sit with eyes closed, embracing the silence.
Afterwards they began to independently create various beats and tempos, mimicking the sounds of other instruments. As the rhythms and sounds rose and fell Chris asked the children to capture any images they saw in their imagination as they played with eyes closed. One girl saw herself on a swing in the sunset, another saw himself in a happy family home with a beautiful garden. Another saw himself on a beach and another saw herself on a stage.
Teachers commented that children who took part in this workshop appeared more animated, less stressful and were able to concentrate better in class. A wonderful and positive result.
TESTIMONIALS
“This music and art therapy day benefited 30 of the most affected and traumatised children attending the Spafford Children’s Center."
“It truly was a beautiful scene,. there are many sounds I have heard in my various visits to cities, but none quite as sweet as the sound of these children on a warm day in October in Jerusalem”.
Shahd Souri, CEO