So, here’s our little secret: we’re having more fun than anyone.

In 2009, as a pre-cursor to the founding of OneVoice, Robbie Schaefer musically connected two schools with one another: The Brain Tree School in Kyanga, Uganda and the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA. In 2011, OneVoice expanded upon that template to connect the Shepherds Jr. Primary School with 29 schools and kid-powered organizations across the U.S.–a project that culminated in the building of Shepherds Secondary School, which opened this past February in Tanzania.  At our annual Board meeting in December, 2011, it became evident that OneVoice was ready to stretch again.

The Board saw that it was important to deepen our relationships with East Africa and the U.S. while expanding to communities in other parts of the world as well.

And so, OneVoice, OneHeart was born. This project will take us from The Kakenya Center For Excellence (www.kakenyasdream.org), a school for girls in Enoosaen, Kenya, to schools in South America/Caribbean, and finally, the U.S. Our intention is, as always, to share, learn, and teach music, and to use that creativity to connect these schools with one another.

This year, we will also help the schools to create a collaborative recording–one song created by many schools around the world. In addition, we will for the first time, be adding a visually artistic element to our visits. Painter and visual artist Jolene Hemeon will be joining OneVoice in this endeavor, and traveling with us to help each child to paint a heart–their own heart–as well as one larger shared heart that mirrors the collaborative song we will be recording.

Together, the hundreds of  hearts from three continents will be brought back to the U.S. for a year-end multi-media exhibit in Washington, D.C., which will include the individual and collaborative paintings, video, photos and music of and by children from across the globe. The exhibit, and the artwork, will serve to raise funds for Hearts For Kids (thapk.org), a non-profit in Kenya that “provides life-saving surgery, support, resources and hope to families of underprivileged children in Kenya and East Africa suffering from heart defects and disease”.

Imagine. Children from all over the world expressing their hearts through art and music, in order to literally heal the hearts of other children. OneVoice. OneHeart. We are all connected.

Power to the (little) people

One year ago, OneVoice was still an idea. I might have said “only” an idea, but that wouldn’t be true. Ideas are powerful. Intention is powerful. Saying “yes” to those ideas and intentions is, I have learned, amazingly and ridiculously powerful. And yet, there was so much we didn’t know. We didn’t know where our first project would be or what it would look like. We didn’t know where the money would come from. And we didn’t know if our core conviction–that the voices of children are powerful enough to change the world–would resonate with anyone. After all, it can sound like a pretty radical proposal.

We did this together and I have learned that we are enough.

What does being enough look like? It looks like Mama Lucy and the kids of
Shepherds Jr. :

My Voice Is Powerful

And it looks like Missy O’Keefe and the children of Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary in Jackson, NJ who raised over $5700 during LaLaLove by singing their hearts out:

LaLaLove–Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary

When told they had raised the most of all the participating organizations, their PTA Vice President emailed us this:

It looks like Brownie Troop #542 of West Columbia, who won “Best Video” for LaLaLove by conspiring to create an original song and for having the time of their lives while doing it:

LaLaLove–Our Love Is a Rainbow

And, finally–incredibly–it looks like a new school in Tanzania:

And so now, almost one year since the birth of OneVoice, we know a lot. We know that children, when told they can do something, will. We know that love, gratitude, and music aren’t just beautiful things to talk about and share, but that they are full of power. And we know that in a world that teaches so many of us that we are not enough . . . hundreds of children have dared to show us that voices joined together in love, are enough–beautifully, radically, abundantly enough.

Thank you for everything you have given to OneVoice in 2011–your intention, your energy, your resources, and, most of all, your willingness to say “yes”. Many plans are afoot for 2012, and I am so excited it is everything I can do not to spell them out for you here. But, there will be time for that soon enough. Right now, as you take time to celebrate the abundance of a New Year, also take a moment to reflect on the fact that, this year, you were part of something that changed the world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

In this holiday season, may you be well in all ways.

Love,

Robbie

WHAT?! La La Love is a singing contest. But not just any old singing contest. You are going to help build a new school in Tanzania, Africa with the power of your own voice!

Join us for Fall 4 OneVoice – hosted by Bristow Montessori School in a community effort to benefit OneVoice and the Shepherds Jr. Secondary School

SPECIFICALLY – Fall 4 OneVoice will raise funds to help the OneVoice  facilitate its latest project – construction of a new school for kids in Arusha, Tanzania.

ENJOY – Family concerts at 1 pm & 4 pm by Robbie Schaefer, host of Sirius/XM’s Kids Place Live and Lead Singer of ever popular – Eddie from Ohio!!!!

Hayrides * Face Painting * Hot Cider * and more!

Children. Community. Music. Fall. FUN.

Click here for more information

On the day after we arrived, I finally was able to call home to the U.S., only to find out that my precious 7-year-old nephew, Ryan, had died while I was on a plane to Africa. Ryan had many special needs and had been in Children’s Hospital for over a month undergoing chemo for his recently diagnosed leukemia. And yet, it was an absolute shock to me. Ziggy, one of the dogs at Ujamaa Hostel where we were staying, came over and sat next to me as I heard the news. He didn’t move until I hung up, and then he got up and casually trotted into the back yard from where he’d come. I’ll always be grateful to him for that. Ryan was, and is, timeless. He loved African music, especially the Samite cd’s that I gave him when he was a baby, and in the subsequent days, as I dove headlong into our work in Tanzania, every child’s voice was his voice, every expression of joy was his joy. At least once every day, in the middle of song, I experienced a lift in energy that was so blissful I thought my body would never contain it. I watched it happen to the children too. It was like a frenzy of love. Ryan was with us. I am certain of it, and although I can offer nothing with which to convince you or show you proof, I know it to be true. Sometimes, it feels as though the world is too much becoming.

And so, I have left one home and returned to another with a deepened sense of purpose and conviction. OneVoice is blooming into all I had ever dreamed and more. My gratitude to our Gang of Love on this trip is immeasurable. Kim Jackson, Danny Schwartz, David Reynolds, and Kuna Malik Hamad, are not only immensely talented people, but they each share a passion for our mission, and gave all of themselves. They are my family. Mama Lucy, Mister Ben, Mister Hermann, Leah, Carren, Gideon, Patrick, George, Hilde, Wilton, and so many others at Shepherds Jr. have enriched me and saved my life in more ways than they’ll ever know. They are my family as well. And Arusha, all musty dirt roads, sweat and woodsmoke and exhaust and unfiltered sunlight and brooding clouds. Teeming with life and noise, and yet somehow, a felt stillness and quiet at the center. Arushans don’t generally greet you when you pass. But all you have to do is raise your eyebrows in their direction and you will be the recipient of the fullest, face-swallowing smile and a hearty “Jambo!” (hello!). Arusha too, is my family.

There are some photos posted already and there will many more to come along with video. My greatest hope is that we have been able to viscerally capture something of Africa in general, and of our dear new family in Arusha and at Shepherds Jr., because after all, you are our family too. One can never have too many homes.

Love,

Robbie

I’m not sure what day it is or where to begin, but that is a good thing. I feel completely submerged in love. The kids at Shepherds Jr. are extraordinary in so many ways. There is Leah, a 7th grader who wants to be a doctor that travels around the world healing people (personally I don’t think she’ll ever be a doctor – I think she’ll be leader of the free world). There is Patrick, a 6th grader who, speaking of the free world, says he wants to be president. Not president of Tanzanaia, mind you. President of everything (his smile alone would have you voting for him). There is George, a 1st grader, who without a word will charm your socks off and Gideon, a 7th grader, who wants to be an astronaut and who sobbed in my arms today when saying good-bye (yes, I shed a tear or 10 million myself).

I could tell you so much more, but I don’t have to. You’ll see and hear them for yourself when we return. Tonight our Group of Love (Danny, David, Kuna, Kim, and myself) will go out to dinner with some others from the hostel where we’ve been staying. Then tomorrow, Saturday, Mama Lucy and Ben (the asst principal, and our primary guide all week) will take us to the open market here in Arusha before we go swimming with Leah and a couple of other kids from the school. Good times indeed.

A few random notes before my time runs out on this computer:

Ziggy and Bear: the names of the two resident dogs at the Hostel. Bear plays hard to get. Ziggy is a hussy.

Kuna, our cameraman: Kuna means King. Malik, his middle name, also means King. King King. Just to get the point across, we suppose. Kuna doesn’t say much. He just smiles peacefully most of the time. He also runs like a gazelle. We like Kuna.

Danny, our producer: voted the most likely to start talking like a Jewish mother for no apparent reason.

David, music teacher: He is a pied piper. Every child should have a David. He never stops smiling or talking or singing.

Kim, our photographer: voted most likely to state the obvious at any given moment. Also most likely to be the most grateful.

Jeni and Vivian: the women who cook and clean at the hostel. They sing ALL THE TIME. Do you know what it’s like to wake up to singing from the kitchen, hear singing from the back while laundry is being done, while the beds are being made, and while dinner is being cooked? It’s heaven. That’s what it’s like.

More from Arusha in the next day or two – power willing.

My heart is full and I am so grateful to so many of you reading this who made this trip possible. You are each a part of this miracle.

Robbie

Arusha is a decent sized town just next to Mt. Meru – a pretty impressive sight on a clear day. We began Monday at Shepherds Jr. Primary School intending to visit for two hours. Six hours later, exhausted and happy, we drove back to our lodgings.

The children are beautiful and extraordinary. My hairy arms are very curious to them and they keep stroking them. We have learned a little Swahili. Asante sana means “thank you very much.” Karibe means “welcome.” Jambo means “hello.” Our favorite by far is to say Ujambo (how are you?) and answer with Sijambo (I am well). We walk around town muttering it to ourselves. Ujambo? Sijambo! Ujambo? Sijambo! Try it and try not to smile. I triple dog dare you.

Today we were back at Shepherds at 9am. We spent another 6 hours, this time really spending time with each class from Grade 1 through Grade 7. David (our music teacher from Vienna Elementary) is pure magic and has the children wrapped around his finger. He has taught us a song called “Woyaya,” a Ghanaian song which is so soulful and beautiful and sacred I may never need to sing another song again. Wait until you hear the kids singing this. You. Just. Wait.

Mama Lucy with some of the students.

We’ve also been teaching them “One Voice” by the Wailin Jennys. I broke into “This Little Light of Mine” in the 5th grade class and they all lit up in recognition. I’m telling you, the energy in that classroom…. Well, I thought the roof might fly off. It was one of the more transcendent musical experiences of my life. Imagine the energy of a tent revival full of children worshiping their own voices. I can’t wait for you to hear and see this.

We’ll go back for more tomorrow, and we’ll be giving them and teaching them on the recorders that were donated by Pritchard Music in Gaithersburg, MD. Hopefully, if Internet access allows (which is a big “if”), I’ll be able to include pictures with the next post.

In fact, the event went so well, Great Kids Village plans on hosting more just like it, including one this fall in the NY/NJ area. Stay tuned!

Oh. And, yeah . . . . we love you back Gaithersburg.

JOIN US FOR A FREE FAMILY CONCERT ON TUESDAY, JULY 19  AT THE GAITHERSBURG CITY HALL CONCERT  PAVILION (31 SOUTH SUMMIT AVE, GAITHERSBURG, MD)!

The OneVoice Rocks! Charity Music Festival on July 19 To Be Broadcast on SiriusXM Radio from Gaithersburg Concert Pavilion.

Event to feature nationally touring children’s performers; will kick off national campaign to build cross-cultural exchange through music.

GAITHERSBURG, MD (July 2011) – Great Kids Events is excited to partner with OneVoice (www.onevoicecommunity.org), The City of Gaithersburg and SiriusXM Radio’s Kids Place Live (Channel 78) to present the widely anticipated OneVoice Rocks! festival on Tuesday, July 19 from 5-9pm at the Gaithersburg City Hall Concert Pavilion.  The event, which is free and open to the public, will be broadcast nationally on Kids Place Live and will feature nationally acclaimed performers from around the country.  All proceeds from the event will go to OneVoice for its drive to build a secondary school in Tanzania and to launch a national campaign to build cultural awareness through music.

Nationally acclaimed acts confirmed include Lunch Money (www.lunchmoneymusic.com), Robbie Schaefer (www.robbieschaefer.com), and a special guest band from Seattle, WA.  Local favorite John Henry will also perform, and The Great Zucchini will be emcee.  All performers are donating their time and talent, and the City of Gaithersburg is donating the space and equipment and making a sizeable donation to OneVoice.

OneVoice is a non-profit organization founded by Robbie Schaefer, Music Director at SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live as well as a touring musician as a solo performer and with folk-rock band Eddie From Ohio.  OneVoice is currently raising $50,000 to help build a secondary school at Shepherd’s Junior School in Tanzania.  OneVoice will launch a fundraising campaign this fall for students nationwide to create their own music about hope and gratitude to share with other American students and the students in Tanzania.  Lakelands Park Middle School in Gaithersburg will be the pilot school for this campaign and connect directly with Shepherd’s in the fall with OneVoice’s help.

Says Robbie Schaefer, “It is so powerful for kids to learn that they can make a difference with their music.  OneVoice will empower kids to build a school in Tanzania with their songs.  This event on July 19 is the kickoff for this meaningful project and we appreciate all of the support from everyone in Gaithersburg.”

Event organizer Andrew Ross of Great Kids Village agrees.  “We are so happy that Robbie and OneVoice have agreed to let Gaithersburg be the launching point for their national campaign.  We are also fortunate that a great group of musicians are donating their talents.  We look forward to putting on a great event for Gaithersburg and for all of Kids Place Live’s listeners!”

OneVoice Rocks! will be presented donations on stage from organizations such as The City of Gaithersburg, The Upper Montgomery Rotary Club, Pritchard Music Academy, Victor Litz Music, and other local organizations.  To donate to OneVoice or for more information about the July 19 event, please contact Andrew Ross at 301-309-2FUN ext 1, email andy@greatkidsvillage.com, or donate online at www.onevoicecommunity.org.

Auction Closed: Brian and Katy of Minneapolis, MN are donating $6177.10 to OneVoice! Thank you all for your love and generosity. We are gobsmacked and grateful beyond words.

In the midst of raising money to fund our trip to Tanzania this summer, an evil but convenient thought arose: Why not auction Robbie off and let him do all the dirty work? After all, he’s full of high charm and low standards. And so it was done.

During the week of May 2-9, OneVoice is holding an online Silent Auction. The prize? Robbie Schaefer will come to your home and perform a private concert for you and anyone else you want to invite. It could be a children’s concert, a grown-up concert, or a combination of the two. (He also cooks a mean tomato-parmesan fritatta–we’re just sayin’, you might as well take advantage of him while he’s there).

Want to enter? Lovely!

Beginning at 12 noon ET on Monday, May 2, email your bid along with your name and address to: robbie@onevoicecommunity.org. The current highest bid will be posted daily at the top of this page and on our facebook page. The highest bidder at 12 noon ET on Monday, May 9 will win! For Rules and Regulations, see below.

FAQ’s:

Is there an opening bid?

Yes, bidding opens at $500

Can I enter even if I live in ZigZag, OR or Bug Tussle, OK?

As long as you live within the contiguous United States, you’re good to go! (although we’re not so sure about Toadsuck, AR. If you live in Sweet Lips, TN, you get a 10% discount. Note: yes, these are all real names of towns. God bless Google)

Do I get to choose the date?

Sort of. The concert will take place on a mutually agreeable date within 6 months of your winning bid.

When do I have to show you the money?

Your winning donation is due two weeks from the end of the auction (that would be May 23)

Can I invite my friends and mother-in-law?

You can invite as many or as few people as you’d like. It’s your party!

Will Robbie play at my office or in the backseat of my car as my personal radio?

Yes. But if it’s in your car you have to promise to stop for bathroom breaks.

Can I combine funds and enter as a group with my friends or my company?

Absolutely. The more the merrier

What happens if there’s a tie?

We’ll probably be able to talk Robbie into two private concerts

Does this work like ebay? Is my winning bid the actual dollar amount of the bid or does it revert to just $1 higher than the next highest bid?

Now we’re confused. Your winning bid is the actual dollar amount that you submit, regardless of the next highest bid

Will Robbie play Free Bird if I ask him to?

Yes. Be careful what you wish for.

Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions. If you can’t afford to enter the silent auction, please consider a donation that is comfortable for you. Every dollar you commit to OneVoice is a personal investment in the creativity of a child. Thank you and good luck!