专辑简介

Refugees arrive in the United States culturally rich, but economically poor. Their folk music can be an anchor as they grapple with the challenges of a new life in a new country. It can also be a treasure for their new community. While many Americans have lost the ability to sing with and to our children, those from traditional cultures instinctively use song to bond with and educate their young. Old Songs New Opportunities is a program based in Erie, Pennsylvania that trains refugees to work in American childcare settings and to use their native songs on the job. Since 2004, Old Songs New Opportunities has trained 63 women and two men, and over half have gained employment working with children. This program has also placed former refugees into hundreds of classrooms as song coaches who mentor American teachers, integrating song throughout the day to help children line up, clean up, and to build joy and community. Tapping refugees’ indigenous knowledge of song not only gives them meaningful work, it builds cross-cultural understanding and brings much joy to children and their teachers.

Since 2004 Old Songs New Opportunities has collected almost 100 children’s songs—from Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Bhutan—from refugees and immigrants who now live in Erie. As part of their three-month training, participants share their songs and collaborate with folklorist and program director Kelly Armor to create singable English versions. These adaptations capture the spirit, culture, and basic meaning but are not always literal translations. This album represents the most beloved folk songs that are part of the oral tradition. Because they are all typically sung a cappella, we’ve only added instruments on a few tracks. These songs are tiny jewels. They delightfully represent their respective cultures and are easy for anyone to sing. They are, essentially, work songs. Their job is to soothe or distract a distraught child; to focus children to join together; to teach motor and social skills, encourage language development, and bring emotional release. Although they sound best in their native language, the English versions allow them to have a new life in the United States, and honor the bi-lingual lives of resettled refugees.