As Tomoko demonstrates, Christmas certainly builds lifelong musical memories.
Tomoko attended Ferris Academy: an elite Dutch Reformed
school for girls, located in Yokohama. “At Christmas time everyone memorized
Bible verses and performed Christmas music,” Tomoko remembers.
She also recalls: “The Dutch Reformed school received Christmas cards from the U.S., and the images showed a very rich and full Christmas. The teachers would cut the cards with zigzag scissors, and
sell them at the school Christmas bazaar (an American tradition brought to the school). In Japan at that time, every scrap of paper was dear, so the cards were very popular. “
When Tomoko attended the Conservatory of San
Francisco, she spent the Christmas break with her classmate. Tomoko remembers
dressing in a pale flowered kimono, and playing a board game at her friend’s
home.
Tomoko’s musical memory of Christmas also extends to her daughter
Beata’s ’s piano playing. The little girl was frantic one evening, when she told her mother,
“Mummy, the school Christmas program is tomorrow, and I have to play “Up on the
Housetop! I told the teacher that I couldn’t do it, and she said that you would
help. Help! What am I going to do??” Tomoko thought to herself: “That’s too
much pressure for a little girl.” To Beata, though, she said calmly, “Let’s go
to the piano.” Tomoko sat down beside her. “Don’t worry. The most important
thing is the rhythm. Now play middle G, and sing the song, tapping the key for
each note.” Tomoko listened and observed closely, and gave Beata some
encouraging suggestions. Beata practiced for the next half hour, with Tomoko’s
gradual release of coaching. The next day, Tomoko asked Beata, “How did the
program go?” Beata smiled, “The teacher didn’t even notice that it was just one
note!” Tomoko wasn’t surprised, and hugged her daughter.
As a teacher, Tomoko advised parents: "Your actions
speak volumes. And your musical investment of time can bring untold value to
your children. You can share Christmas carols as a
way to share your love of music with your children. You and your children can
grow together through music.”
Tomoko also sees Christmas as a universal musical experience.
Tomoko sees the importance of experiencing music through the lens
of a country, and comparing those different expressions. She suggests: “Compare
Christmas songs from different countries. They are a way to connect with
culture.”
