A Book Launch for The Band!
Our new rehearsal space in The School in a Cart center
Author Connie Mann is donating the first week’s royalties from the launch of her book Deadly Melody to The Push Cart Children’s Band at The School in a Cart. We have been working on an almost daily basis with The School in a Cart in Cubao, the Philippines since 2011 and started The Push Cart Children’s Band in 2014. Connie Mann has been a longtime supporter of the band.
As I stated in a previous post titled My Happiest Day, the children have enjoyed many holiday and school celebrations, but when they write about their best days, they describe the hard work they’ve put into the band, such as their fear of learning new instruments, the times they’ve failed to get the notes right, the countless hours they’ve spent practicing, and their insecurities performing in front of crowds.
We can provide and encourage and reward the children of The School in a Cart with happy days, but it is up to them to do the hard work, to overcome their fears and insecurities, and to step out on that stage or show up for the exam.
These are their happiest days . . .
Buy a book and help a child! When you buy author Connie Mann’s third book in her Safe Harbor suspense series, Deadly Melody, between May 22nd – 29th, you help a child. In keeping with the theme of music, Connie is donating her royalties from Deadly Melody to The Push Cart Children’s Band at The School in a Cart in Cubao, the Philippines. Thank you, Connie!
Below is a Thank You note written by 12-year-old Abet. He is one of five siblings, all boys, and his younger brothers are also participants at The School in a Cart, while his eldest brother and their mother act as volunteers. Unfortunately, being accustomed to living on the streets, they still believe collecting garbage to be the only way of providing for themselves. Following the English translation, you will find Abet’s original essay in Tagalog:
“I am glad I was given an opportunity to join the coming Battle of the Bands. Initially, I found it difficult to play the drums because my hands and my feet were not yet used to it. But I set aside more hours after our group rehearsal and practiced by myself so I would get used to it.
I thought I would no longer be a part of the All Younger Boys Band because I did not come during days of practice. But I was given another chance to join. I would no longer take this opportunity for granted. I would rehearse and rehearse and hope one day I would become a good drummer.
I thank God for giving me this talent. I am also thanking our sponsors who do not get tired of helping us. Thank you also to Sir. Iddo (Alfredo) and Teacher Nonie who are with us every day guiding and helping us.”
On Saturday May 19th, The School in a Cart organized a fun music day called The Battle of the Bands to encourage the younger children to take up instruments and some of the older ones to try out new instruments. It was a lot of fun and a huge success as you can see from these photos. A part of the good-natured competition was when the all-girls band competed against the all-boys band. Everyone was a winner for sure!
Speaking for Lift the Lid and the many donors who drive us forward, our happiness comes from each and every one of our students, from every small step of achievement they take and all the words they proudly brave writing for us. It’s amazing how much they are capable of giving!
Other posts we’ve shared on The Push Cart Children’s Band include:
I Pray the Lord will Give Them Strength, by Carla (2016)
I Conquer My Fears, by Stephano (2016)
I Play the Drums, by Stephano (2016)
Hard work is Rewarded, by Dianne (2015)
I Play the Drums, by David (2015)
I’ll Keep Trying, by Daniella (2015)
My Music, by Allen (2015)
Guitar is My Instrument, by Reynald (2015)
I Sing From My Heart, by Steven (2015)
Music! by Dianne and Michael (2015)
A GREAT WAY TO GIVE TO THE SCHOOL IN A CART IS BY PURCHASING CONNIE MANN’S LATEST NOVEL DEADLY MELODY BETWEEN MAY 22-29th!
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