A Cherub's Life

The Journey of One Young Singer from First Rehearsal to Debut Performance

As Saint Michael’s brand new Cherub Choir kicked off this Fall, we thought it would be fun to follow one of our Cherubs from her first rehearsal to her first performance. Elsie Rosser, an energetic and outgoing three-year-old who also loves to swim, play soccer, dance, and do art projects, became our chosen subject for observation over the first month of Cherub Choir. From a shy first day to stealing the show at the Cherubs’ first performance, Elsie has certainly taken the stage and embraced singing!

Exposing Elsie to music and all that it brings is an early childhood development opportunity for us. We look forward to this bringing her a sense of fellowship, of working with others and, not insignifcantly, a new group of friends. As well, we hope it further instills in her an appreciation for Saint Michael and all of its great offerings
- Monica and Jay Rosser, parents of Elsie, before her first Cherub rehearsal

Wednesday, August 28

22 nervous kids aged 4-8 walked through the doors of the Atrium, unsure of what to expect. Some were excited, some were afraid to be left, and all were curious. In the following hour, they played, sang, and learned the story of Jonah and the giant whale. A stuffed whale helped demonstrate the concepts of “high” and “low” in singing – they each got to create a vocal exercise where whatever way they made the whale swim, their classmates had to sing.

Elsie had a fantastic time and particularly loved hugging the giant stuffed whale. When picked up and asked by her mother what she’d done at Cherub Choir, Elsie responded enigmatically: “I don’t know…”
Wibbledy wobbledy woo, a whale just swallowed up you. Wibbledy wobbled wee, a whale just swallowed up me!

Wednesday, September. 4

25 kids walked more confidently through the doors of the Atrium, wondering whether they’d get to sing with a whale again. This week, the whale made an appearance for warm-ups, but so did a train whistle. The Cherubs got to learn a new game called “Riding on the Railroad” where Mrs. Awbrey led them around the room linked by hand like the cars on a train and they learned a song that combined trains with an introduction to musical tempos (the speed of a song). As each Cherub was added oneby- one, they got to decide whether their train went fast or slow. Elsie chose to go fast! A quick trip around the room, music at a brisk tempo, and lots of laughter followed.

Wednesday, September 18

Today, Mrs. Awbrey introduced Toobaloos, phonic phones that allow children to hear their voices more clearly as they sing. As Cherubs learned the song “All night, all day,” they got to listen to their own voices through the phone to hear themselves sing high and low. This song is one of four that the Cherubs are preparing for their debut performance, which is coming up in two weeks.

All night, all day, angels watching over me, my Lord. All night, all day, angels watching over me. Now I lay me down to sleep. Angels watching over me, my Lord. Pray the Lord my soul to keep, angels watching over me…
“Mrs. Awbrey, Angels are always walking with you and me. Why do we have to wait until the morning?” – Claire Christian, age 4

Watching Elsie's face light up during her debut Cherub Choir performance was magical. Her animation, the song gestures, the sweet messages in each song all made for such a joyful experience for her and us as her parents".”
– Monica and Jay Rosser after the first Cherub performance

Sunday, September 29

At 8:30 A.M., 34 Cherubs walked through the doors of Saint Michael Chapel to warm up for their debut performance. Some were nervous, but all were excited. They knew their music and their hand signs, they were confident and had prepared for this moment for weeks. With a medley of four angel-themed songs, the Cherub Choir stole the hearts of all at the Joy mass. They sang beautifully and with heart. In the words of Rev. Amy Heller, “They were so spirit-filled and it made our time of worship so meaningful.” Elsie, for one, loved her moment in the spotlight, and took on her new leadership role in the liturgy with ease, showing great confidence and enthusiasm as she sang!