Staff training has begun! Yep, it’s officially camp season, and the next couple of days is all about getting to know new camp staff and reuniting with old ones. I love working with counselors, because it’s always a fun energetic group. For many of them, it’s a first job, and I feel a responsibility to make it a great experience for them.
This is what I love about camp song leading. To me, it’s the glue that brings a camp together. Singing and sharing music is bonding, and I am honored to have this job.
The beautiful thing is that I know that even if I don’t get a chance to sit down with each staff person individually during training, once we start singing together, the music will bring us together naturally anyway. That is why I love camp so much!
So, my song of the day today is for all of the new people I get to work with. ”Getting to Know You” from the “King and I” seems like the sweetest and perfect piece of music for the occasion. Click HERE to go to Youtube and watch this charming scene. The strange thing about the song is that Debra Kerr plays the part of Anna in the movie. The “King and I” was made during a time when lead characters were often overdubbed during the musical performances. I thought Marni Nixon overdubbed Kerr’s part in this song, but the Youtube video is of Julie Andrews singing. Julie Andrews can do no wrong in my eyes, but I am against overdubbing. Seriously…why couldn’t they have just cast Julie Andrews or Marni Nixon in the part. Fortunately today, overdubbing has become taboo. I prefer films to be honest with its flaws and all…..just like I prefer the people I sing with, too. Looking forward to getting real with a lot of new and awesome people this summer!
