Tokai Shinpo newspaper story about recording for Shine On! Songs東海新報でシャイン・オン！ソングスが記事に
“Ame Ni Mo Makezu” Children of Sakari Elementary participate in chorus musical recording in English
An English translation of Kenji Miyazawa’s classic “Ame Ni Mo Makezu,” was recorded at Sakari Elementary School in Ofunato City (principal: Isao Sato, students: 153) on the 23rd. This was part of a musical project put together by the Tyler Foundation,
大船渡市立盛小学校で「雨ニモマケズ」英語化した楽曲の録音作業
大船渡市立盛小学校（佐藤功校長、児童１５３人）で23日、宮沢賢治の代表詩「雨ニモマケズ」を英語化した楽曲の録音作業が行われた。東日本大震災被災地などで、子どもたちの支援活動を展開するタイラー基金が立ち上げた音楽プロジェクトの一環で実施。コーラスとして参加した児童たちは元気な歌声を響かせ、復興を願う支援を受けながら元気に成長している姿を表現した。
タイラー基金は、東日本大震災以降、子どもたちに物心両面の支援を展開。とくに子どもたちの笑顔を増やそうと、沿岸各地の小学校、幼稚園、保育所などにニコニコ大使を継続的に派遣している。
同校にもこれまで数回訪れているガイタノ・トタロさん（通称・ガイさん）をはじめとしたニコニコ大使は、臨床道化師とも訳されるクリニクラウンとして活動。遊びや各種体験を通じ、精神的な落ち着きを取り戻す効果が期待されている。
同基金では心のケアとして今後も長期的な活動を見据えている中、活動資金の調達に向けて音楽プロジェクト「シャイン・オン！ソングス」を立ち上げた。第１弾として、ジュリアン・レノンさんやマキシ・プリーストさんらが参加するアルバムＣＤを制作するが、盛小児童にも声がかかった。
同校児童は、宮沢賢治の「雨ニモマケズ」を英語化した「ＷｈｏＩＷａｎｔＴｏＢｅ」に参加。世界各国で知られる一般的な英訳詞に合わせ、同基金のマーク・フェリス副理事長が作曲した。被災しながらもひたむきに復興へと進む東北にもっと関心を向けてもらおうと、この詩を選んだという。
子どもたちは日本語の「そういう者に私はなりたい」部分で、サビとなる「ザッツ・フー・アイ・ウォントゥ・ビー」を、強弱のメリハリをつけながら歌った。先週の２学期始業式以降、校内では昼休み時間中のＢＧＭなどとして流され、児童たちは英語詞独特のタイミングやアクセントを耳で覚えた。
ガイさんに打ち解けている子どもたちは、緊張した様子も見せず、伸びのある歌声を響かせた。
プロモーションビデオの撮影も行われ、全校児童でこぶしを上げながら歌うなど、元気に学校生活を過ごしている姿を表現した。
収録を終えた６年生の村上滉紀君（11）は「ガイさんと一緒にいると楽しいし、収録も繰り返すうちに慣れました。多くの人に聞いてもらいたい」と笑顔。ＣＤは９月末に完成予定で、インターネットなどを通じて広く販売し、支援を求めることにしている。
which is providing support to the children in areas damaged by the Tohoku Earthquake. The children that participated in the chorus made a great impression with their energetic singing, and showed that they continue to grow and progress with the aid and support of reconstruction efforts.
The Tyler Foundation, following the Tohoku Earthquake, has provided children with both material and moral support. In particular, they are trying to bring smiles to children by continuously sending their “Smile Ambassador” to elementary, kindergarten, and nursery schools throughout Iwate prefecture.
For starters, Totaro Gaetano (nicknamed Guy san), who has visited Sakari multiple times, is working as a “clinical clown.” Through utilization of games, playing and all kinds of experiences, his act has had the effect of returning a sense of calm and providing some psychological relief.
Among the Tyler Foundation’s focus on long-term emotional care and support, they have created a musical project called “Shine on! Songs” as a means of raising funds. The first part of this project will have artists such as Julian Lennon and Maxi Priest collaborating on an album; however, Sakari Elementary School students were also called upon.
The Sakari students will participate by singing an English translation of “Ame Ni Mo Makezu” called “Who I Want To Be.” The Tyler Foundation’s vice chairman Mark Ferris composed it by combining popular English lyrics known in countries throughout the world. He said this song was chosen in an effort to bring more attention and interest to the people in the Tohoku area, who although have suffered greatly, are extremely focused on advancing and moving toward recovery.
At the Japanese lyric “so iu mono ni watashi wa naritai,” the children sang “that’s who I want to be” with great strength and energy. Last week after the opening ceremonies for the school’s 2nd term, the children were memorizing by ear the unique timing and accent of the English lyrics during lunch break, while background music played inside the school.
Many children left an impression on Guy san, by not showing any signs of nervousness or tension, and by expressing a sense of growth through their singing.
A promotional video was also created, showing the children of the entire school raising their hands to the sky and singing, plus other lively activities that happened at the school.
After the recording was over, 6th year student Koki Murakami (11) said with a smile, “It was fun to be around Guy san, and I got used to the recording while going through all the repetitions. I hope lots of people will listen.” The CD is scheduled to be completed at the end of September, and will be widely available for sale via the internet. Any and all support is requested.
Click below to purchase the Shine On! Songs
http://www.shineonsongs.org/