President’s Message 2021

By Andrea Donahoe  September 2021

Just one month ago I stood barefoot in the theatre at Hidden Valley. Fingers interlaced, circles concentric, enveloped in sound, and singing the words I’ve sung so many times before “For those who love, for those who love the world is one”… but this time was quite different. I had just finished my first Levels course as an instructor and it was the first San Francisco International Orff Course since the COVID lockdown. What an experience! It was meaningful, beautiful, challenging, and accompanied by a kaleidoscope of emotions and sensations I know so well: fear, pride, joy, awe, worry, doubt, and excitement. Had I been alone I might have been consumed by overwhelm, but every step of the way I was seen, supported, and cheered on by my incredible co-teacher and team. I also had twenty-three brilliant students at my side connecting, creating, and getting acquainted with the Schulwerk: a wonderful inspiration for me! It was my community, my connections that helped me to persevere.