The students not only sing beautifully, but despite this being their first recording, they really understand what is involved in recording all the components of the song. The sopranos went first and then in succession the tenors, altos, etc followed with the layers of music becoming more and more moving.
The audio technician was extremely patient with the kids and it took 2 hours to do the mixing for one song |
Singers waiting their turn to go into the recording studio |
A group of happy boys leaving the studio |
I want to help them, and since they don't have an internet presence, I've offered to create a blog, set up a Facebook page, and help market the CD. Good friends in Priest River saw my photos on Kinley Travels and called me to see if they could approach the Lions Club for a donation. I put together a PowerPoint presentation along with a wish list, and we're hopeful they will approve either a one time donation, or an ongoing one.
Once I was done at the studio, I got to tag along on a trip to the Kansanshi project where Roger hosted a Town Hall meeting. Before it started, we heard a lot of whooping and hollering from the dining hall tent, so I went to check it out.
Zambia was playing in the Africa Cup of Nations and won against the Ivory Coast in a dramatic shoot out. It was the first time Zambia had won since 1994 which was the year following the tragic death of 18 team members who perished in a plane crash. Clearly, there was cause for celebration.
Roger first introduced himself to the group; many who had not had a chance to meet him although he's been to the site several times since arriving in mid-August. When I was introduced, there was a polite round of applause -- apparently not many wives come to the sites!
Rescued chimps (and some other animals) are brought here but only animals indigenous to Zambia are released back to the wild. |
The sign should add they sometimes throw balls of poop! |
This is by the feeding station, but the chimps are free to roam through hundreds of acres |
They are extremely intelligent and social animals. The Alpha gets replaced periodically as younger males get stronger and older -- often there are some bloody fights |
Sheila and her late husband were awarded the Member of the British Empire for their work, she has written books, toured the world educating people about the horrors of poaching and animal trafficking, and has twice hosted Jane Goodall at the refuge.
We were invited into her home for tea, and it was like being inside Dr. Doolittle's house. There were dogs and birds, and she just recently had to let the two lambs live outside when they became too big. But that's nothing.
Twenty years ago, a baby hippo was found beside her dead mother and was rescued. "Billy" was nursed by Sheila and David and for 20 years was a beloved family member. She was raised inside the house until she got so big that she broke the love seat she enjoyed lying on! Billy died in April, and Sheila has been devastated by her death. To help ease the sadness, Sheila's daughter bought one lamb, but quickly bought another one as the first one had also made herself quite comfortable in the house!
Sheila and her two baby lambs - they follow her everywhere |
The dedication to wildlife, and chimps in particular is very moving. Sheila is a truly inspiring woman whose short stature belies her strength and drive.
"Chimpanzees have suffered so much pain and trauma at the hands of humans...yet they still have the grace to forgive us." Sheila Siddle
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