The Gift of Song

For children spending the holidays in a hospital bed, students in Montclair State's BFA program are bringing them the gift of song to brighten their spirits. In conjunction with Medical Missions for Children, students will participate in a holiday festival at St. Joseph's Children’s Hospital in Paterson on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m.

"The performance is all musical material," said Clay James, of Theatre and Dance. "We are doing 14 numbers split between groups and solos. For the finale 10 of the students will dress in Santa outfits--minus the beards--and do a number called 'Be A Santa,' which ends with a kick line and the presentation of the 'real' Santa and Mrs. Claus with the entire cast singing 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas.' All the children will have their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus."

Medical Missions for Children, in partnership with St. Joseph's Children’s Hospital, has developed a unique healing experience for its young patients. Giggles Children's Theater, a 75-seat theater also able to accommodate children in wheelchairs and beds, and located within St. Joseph's Children’s Hospital, brings local and regional performing artists directly to pediatric patients--through performances and hands-on activities. Music, drama, puppetry, dance, storytellers and live, interactive "video field trips" break the monotony and bring brightness to these sick children.

Performances take place regularly--to both a live audience, and for non-ambulatory patients, broadcast via the hospital’s closed circuit television system. The theater is equipped with a motorized curtain, an upright piano, sound and lighting systems as well as state-of-the-art recording equipment. Ultimately, since the theater features the latest telecommunications technology--including the use of Polycom videoconferencing units and a global satellite system--Medical Missions for Children and St. Joseph's Children's Hospital will transmit around the world to children's hospitals in developing countries.

"The children can forget, at least for a while, that they are in a hospital and undergoing serious treatment," said James. "Our main objective, most of all, is to bring them a moment of happiness."

More than 36 students volunteered for the performance. "The students are so excited. We had a vocal rehearsal that went on for more than three hours and I had to force the students to leave," said James.  "They are so into the process of creating something special for the children that time doesn't seem to be important."

This special performance will also be broadcast via satellite to more than 26 countries including Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, Brazil, Bolivia and several countries in Europe and the Soviet Union.