Music Day at EAP Malaysia

Last Thursday was an important day for many of our kids here at EAP Malaysia. We held our annual Music Day to celebrate our kids’ progress after all their hard work at EAP. This includes both center-based kids as well as home-based kids. Preparations for certificates and goodie bags were made prior to the day itself. 

All the kids who attended and participated in the event had been through two practices in the period of two weeks before the day itself. They were also prepared for the event through social stories, explaining the expectations for the day. 

I sat down with our Director, Jochebed who would be the Master of Ceremony, and we ran through the itinerary. Sound checks were done, the kids were given a break from their curriculum just before, and everyone got ready to welcome the parents who started arriving around mid afternoon. I was slightly nervous upon their arrival. It was finally happening! But fortunately, I had my consultants and friends at EAP giving me support throughout the day.

Jochebed Isaacs giving her welcoming speech

The event kicked off when all the parents had arrived. Jo gave a welcoming speech, briefly introducing our Music Class at EAP. This was then followed by a video titled Music Class with Emma, which was taken from our blog. Then, she went on to introduce the “Big Boys” at EAP. This was my cue to take over the floor with these two boys, Einstein and Ironman (their nicknames). They went up on the small stage and performed the song You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban. Initially, Ironman was slightly scared of the major changes in the hall, but after explaining to him what was going on and what was expected of him, he felt calmer. He performed as best as he could alongside Einstein, who sang with confidence. At the end of the song, they gave a bow together for the audience.

Parents proudly watching their children perform

Following this, the other two boys, Prince and King (nicknames) joined in the group activity. All four boys sat in for a short Circle Time. Each of them were given the chance to choose a video of any song. It was nice to see that they were all so calm and had their attention on the activity instead of the major changes in the environment. After watching all four videos, they were all rewarded with a token. 

The next activity was Reach for the Sky, an activity involving body movement. The kids performed this activity in pairs. Finally came the most anticipated activity, the mini concert! Each kid held a musical instrument; the King had the tambourine, Ironman had a xylophone, Einstein had a keyboard, and the Prince had the drumsticks for the drums! As soon as the music was played, the boys hit the right notes to Do Re Mi, from the Sound of Music. 

They all had fun, with big smiles on their faces singing to their hearts delight. It was definitely a moment to remember for all of us. As the song ended, they were all rewarded with tokens, and went to take their seats with their parents.

Emma making her speech

Then it was my turn to speak. I said a few words expressing my appreciation for all the effort put forth by the kids, as well as my gratitude to all my friends at EAP for their support and help given at times in need and to the consultants for all their guidance, and also to the parents for their continued support, time, and effort they spend on their children. There was so much that I wanted to say, but time was against me and I had to move on with the awards ceremony.

One of our families at EAP Malaysia

The awards ceremony highlighted each child’s strength in therapy as well as their participation in Music Class. They were each awarded with titles of Mr Artistic, Mr Perfectionist, Mr Incredible, Mr Independent, Mr All Rounder, Ms Dancing Queen, Ms Tenacious, and Mr Einstein. The day ended with a quick closing speech from Jo and a video showing our favourite moments at EAP throughout 2012. 

As told by, 

Emma

Lead Therapist and Music Teacher, EAP Malaysia