Talents discovered in k’garten come full circle

By Sheila Orysiek

Sheila Orysiek
Sheila Orysiek

SAN DIEGO — After forty rigorous  years of dancing and teaching ballet, and needing to fill time and space in my life with other activities, I’ve gone back to several I loved even before the immersion in dance.  I discovered these initially in kindergarten: painting, drawing, handwork, writing and singing.

Recently a friend introduced me to a weekly senior singing group where, to my delight after so many years, I find my soprano voice is still strong and (fairly) steady.  Some members of the group are fortunate to still have the ability to drive, others arrive via senior bus transport and some are accompanied by a family member, a friend, or a care giver.  As we greet one another and ask how the week has been the answer is often “Well, I’m here!”  For me particularly, after a very challenging year, “being here” is a hugely positive thing.

Our chairs are arranged in a circle and almost immediately another member of our group sits beside me.  He offers a nicely wrapped piece of chocolate which I reluctantly decline since chocolate lines the throat and, at least for me, hinders the voice.  He smiles and I notice a gap or two in that toothy smile.  Never mind, he is kind and friendly.

There is a box filled with simple instruments: tambourines, wood blocks and triangles along with kazoos, which we are encouraged to use as we sing.  I never do.  I just like to sing.  But, also there is something about using these elementary instruments which is a reminder of the distance of time behind me I’d rather not think about;  I’ve been here before – long ago.

Accompanied by a musician playing a guitar and a vocalist, the song books we use are filled with songs from many genres: popular, musicals, folk, patriotic, ethnic, etc.  After singing a series of songs as a group, a few people volunteer to sing a solo of their choice.  A lady adds my name to the list – and though I never volunteer – I also don’t protest.  The truth is I love to sing solo.  In sixth grade a music teacher discovered my soprano voice and always gave me solo position – which I admit, I adored.

For my solo this week I chose the prayer song “Oseh Shalom” which I explain to this mostly Christian group, is a prayer for peace and it is sung in Hebrew.  It has a soaring melody and they love it.  As we leave, many members express their pleasure with the song and my singing.

At one point during the class my mind wandered and I saw another circle.  In this circle the chairs are smaller, the movements quicker – but just as awkward – the same potential to trip over a chair leg or a floor mat.  A boy sits beside me and with a gap toothed smile (his baby teeth are saying goodbye), he offers me a sticky glob of candy.  When I refuse he pinches my arm in chagrin.  My arm is covered by pinch marks he inflicts daily.  When my mother complains to the teacher, she is told that he likes me but at five years old doesn’t know how to express it.  We are in kindergarten.

The teacher is surprised at my strong baby soprano voice.  We sing Christmas carols though 90% of the children are Jewish.  The teacher gives each of us a small simple instrument: a triangle, tambourine, wood block or a kazoo.  I pretend to use my wood block – but I just want to sing.

After school some children go home with parents, others get on a school bus.  There are no formal goodbyes, no well wishes for a good week, no expressions of hope for healing.  We are young, healthy and happy.

So, what have we learned in the years of time between these two circles?  More care for one another.  More patience.  Happy to have another week – both grateful and humbled.  That a flat note now and then is okay.  Surprise at the good notes we are still able to produce.  And, the realization that all we truly needed to know we learned in kindergarten.  However, now our circle is called “Senior Adult Enrichment.”

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Orysiek is a freelance writer who specializes in coverage of the arts and literature. She may be contacted via sheila.orysiek@sdjewishworld.com