Cornerstone Christian Academy Recitatio-March 29, 2010
The following is a quote printed on the program handouts:
"Formal recitation is a tried and true educational tool bringing together different aspects of a child's education. The content of the program teaches important parts of our tradition and provides students with examples of the effective use of language. Students practice the physical aspects of communication. Also, performance builds confidence and provides a point of focus during the school year."
The focus of CCA's one hour long Recitation was 'The Civil War Years.'
Teachers worked with students for weeks, helping them to memorize poetry, names of states, Presidents, facts about Virginia, The 10 Commandments, Civil War letters, and segments from the Catechism.
The K-2nd graders sang 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot', with Miss Christen leading the motions, and 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again' complete with shouts and right handed 'hurrahs.'
The 3rd-5th graders sang 'Follow the Drinking Gourd' which is a coded song that the slaves sang to help each other escape to freedom. 'The drinking gourd' is the big dipper, which points to the north star.
They also sang all four verses of 'America.' "My Country Tis of Thee..."
The 6th-12th graders sang 'Goober Peas' which was great fun, and 'Tenting Tonight' which was quite sobering. Mrs. Jones kept telling them that they looked like they were facing the firing squad. I think they were just plain weary of tenting. I must say that my blood pressure went up during this segment because Susan and some of the others seemed to lose control and began to giggle. I was starting to get mad at my husband and son. I found out later that Dr. Hubler was dancing around in the back, waving a dollar bill, in order to bribe my daughter into smiling. Mrs. Jones was also holding up a sign that symbolized that they were not in front of a firing squad. It's funny now, but paybacks are coming.
All 13 grades sang "Dixie Land", "The Battle Hymn of the Republic", and"Sing to the One True God". They also sang "He Hideth My Soul" with the attending crowd. Fanny Crosby wrote this song and we had studied her earlier this year. Fanny Crosby and Harriet Tubman, the slave who was known as 'Moses' because she helped so many slaves escape to freedom, were both born in 1820. They died in their 90's and had a number of similar experiences in their later years.
During the singing of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," an eager first grade girl began singing the chorus too early. "Glo-", she caught herself and giggled as did some of the rest of us. A boy classmate, standing next to her, put his arm around her and patted her reassuringly. It was precious. It was one of my highlights of the evening. Phil liked it too.
The Select Choir-Susan, Mikayla, Sidney, and Clarissa-sang "What does the Lord Require of You?" from Micah 6:8. I chose this song because if we treated each other justly and loved mercy and walked humbly with our God, there would be no war. They sang three different parts and it was thrilling to the soul to hear their beautiful voices blended together, singing eternal words.
Mrs. Shorter and Mrs. Knauss accompanied the students on the keyboard. Mrs. Loy showed Civil War slides during the different presentations.
Susan's class memorized "An Appeal for the Country" and "The Yank and the Reb." She did a great job and spoke clearly and convincingly in spite of a seriously stuffed head.
Michael's class memorized real letters written by wives, husbands, and sweethearts to those who were in battle or keeping the home fires burning. This was especially moving. They were dressed in historically appropriate clothing and were set up with props that added integrity to the scene. Mrs. Knaus played a moving piece of piano music very quietly while Michael recited his 3 minute long letter. It was written by a man to his wife. He expressed hopes of being with her again and watching their three boys grow up. He also assured her that if should die in battle, that his love for her would be unfading, and the gentle breeze she would feel on her forehead, would be his kiss. He did an amazing convincing job. When he finished his letter, the narrator told us that this man died, a week after he wrote the letter. His wife did not receive the letter until the war was over. I've got a lump in my throat just writing about it.
The first time he read it, it made him cry.
Karen Phelps wrote me today and said that Michael and the CCA Recitatio was the topic of conversation at Cardinal Chevrolet where she works.
All of the children did a wonderful job and the teacher's are already planning next year's Recitatio. I hardly slept Monday night. I remember that the same thing happened to me last year. All night long I heard, 'Follow...the drinking gourd...follow the drinking gourd...For the old man is awaiting for to carry you to freedom if you follow the drinking gourd...'
It's really gratifying to work with a group of teachers and students to reach a common goal and have a fun and educational experience in the process.
I love this school.
I love the students and the teachers.
I love the music that we make.
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