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Music Program - Staging
Sound System
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If your school does not have a good sound system equipment with compact disc capabilities,
good speakers, and microphones, we suggest a survey is made of the school patrons. Many
schools will have someone with audio experience who would be happy to help.
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Floor speaker monitors directed toward those singing on stage helps the singers stay in sync
with the music.
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Practice Sessions
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Overhead transparencies of the lyrics can be made for each of the songs in the program.
The songs and lyrics can be found on the program web site.
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Have students sing along with the voices on the CD until they know the words and phrasing.
(Tracks 1-12 include vocals.) Once the song is learned, students may sing with the instrumental
versions of the songs on tracks 13 -24.
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Slide Show
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Each district Olympic Winter Games liaison will receive a set of slides for selected songs
including "One World" and "I've Climbed the Mountain."
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The slides will need to be scheduled through the district Olympic Winter Games liaison
and/or the program office.
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Where possible, use two slide projectors and a dissolve unit to show the slides. If your
school district does not have this equipment, it can usually be rented at a nearby college
or university.
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Narration & Staging
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Schools are encouraged to use their school and community resources to enhance and personalize
their program.
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This template is based on a simple auditorium/gymnasium setting with a stage/risers at the
front of the audience.
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The program has been divided into segments. Each segment is titled - these are provided
as a help for preparing and rehearsing the program.
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OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY: A student carrying a flashlight (Olympic Torch) enters the
rear of the auditorium. The torch is passed to others as it makes its way to the front of the hall.
The general feeling of the opening sequence is representative of the nations of the earth gathering
around the Olympic Torch. When the torch approaches the front, the torch bearer goes to the most
prominent place on stage where he/she will remain through the first song. The first block of narration
should be timed so that it concludes, and the first song begins when the torch reaches the stage.
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Narrator
In a few short months, a long journey will begin - a journey into the human spirit. From the historic
land of Greece, a torch will be carried over land and sea to the mountains of Utah. The eyes of the
world will look to the West. Here, in the shadows of our snow-crested peaks will burn a flame - a
flame of peace, a flame of friendship, a flame burning bright with the hopes and dreams of the world
it warmly welcomes. A flame that will light a fire within each of us. Let it shine, let it ring -
light the dream.
SONG: LIGHT THE DREAM (Full Sing)
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During the second chorus of "Light the Dream", the torch bearer lights the Olympic flame (a light and
fan in a canister with gold and red streamers) on stage. The flame remains lit through the balance of
the program.
OLYMPIA: While the second block of narration is read, student Olympians in
traditional Greek togas can demonstrate the events of the ancient Olympic Games, including: running,
discus, javelin, boxing, shot-put, archery, and weight-lifting.
The students demonstrating the events can become larger than life by rear-projecting them as shadows
onto a translucent screen. This is done by positioning a bright light source behind a translucent
fabric, and casting the shadow of the students on the back of the material. Any large white cotton
bedsheet, tracing paper, or other semi-transparent material can be used. The acted events could
continue through the song, "Story of the Glory," and evolve into contemporary events and athletes,
if desired.
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Narrator
Three thousand years ago, the people of Greece gathered in the valley of Olympia for a
footrace - the Olympics were born.
For more than a thousand years, the greatest athletes of ancient days gathered every four
years to compete in the peaceful games of Olympia - until Roman rule put an end to the glory.
Then in 1896, a visionary Frenchman named Pierre de Coubertin revived the dream of nations
coming together in the spirit of peaceful competition - the Olympics were reborn.
SONG: STORY OF THE GLORY (Full Sing)
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PARADE OF NATIONS: To make this segment of the program interesting, it is
recommended that each grade, or class, study and represent a country participating in the 2002
Olympic Winter Games. This helps students will take an interest in those countries and their
respective athletes during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
Hand props, hats and/or costumes could be created, which reflect the diverse cultures and
traditions of those countries participating in the parade. The students representing each
country could make and carry their country's flag in the parade. (The "Parade of Nations" will
take place at the conclusion of the third block of narration.)
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Narrator
Today, athletes gather from around the earth in a celebration of the human family
and the love of sport. They bring with them their cultures, their customs, their
love of home and country.
Respect for one another and accepting each other's values is an essential part of
the Olympic spirit. The traditional "Parade of Nations," held in every Opening
Ceremony demonstrates that even though we are different, we can be one.
MUSIC: PARADE OF NATIONS (Instrumental)
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EVENTS: The next block of narration should be read at the conclusion of
the "Parade of Nations." This should allow time for the students who participate in the parade
to return to their places.
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Narrator
When the modern Olympic Games began, they were held only in the summer. As the
popularity of winter sports grew, the Olympics expanded to include winter games.
Here in Utah, we know a lot about winter sports - but wait and see what lies
ahead for you in 2002.
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The song, "2K2," could be performed as a full group. The entire group can do actions in
unison, or separate sections can each represent an event.
Props and motions can be choreographed to match the events in the song. This is a great
opportunity to be creative and let the students have fun.
OLYMPIC FLAG: As the next block of narration is read, all the students
could hold cards to form a card-section picture of the Olympic Flag. Since the background color
of the flag is white, the only cards that need to have color are those bearing rings.
When the students are assembled, the only cards that will need to be placed specifically are
those bearing rings. It is recommend that the cards are distributed after the students are in
place on stage so the cards are moving and not the students.
As the students sing the song, "Rings of Fire and Gold," one leader in front can lead the entire
group in simple card moves that are choreographed to the music. The cards can be raised, lowered,
fluttered, waved or moved back and forth slowly as if moving in the wind.
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Narrator(CONT'D)
The Olympic Flag is a symbol of harmony among all nations. The colored rings on the
white background represent the palette of colors adorning the flags of the participating
countries. The five interlocking rings seem to beckon the nations of the world to join
together in peace. The rings invite us to put aside differences and unite as friends.
Together we triumph through the "Rings of Fire and Gold."
SONG: RINGS OF FIRE AND GOLD (Full Sing)
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OLYMPIC IDEALS: Following the next short block of narration, students
should recite the sections of narrative which present the ideals of Olympism. Because of the
importance and stress that we would like to give these ideals or values, we recommend that
every school determine a way to display each ideal as it is presented. This could be as simple
as hand held posters, or it might be a good opportunity to do some role playing. This might be
another chance to use rear-projected shadows of the students role playing, or you may project
slides demonstrating the principle on a screen.
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Narrator(CONT'D)
As there are five Olympic rings, there are also five ideals or values of Olympism. These ideals
are the guiding light for the games. They are as important for each of us as they are for the
athletes who will compete.
Student 1
The first ideal of Olympism is peace. In olden times, warriors would lay aside their weapons
peacefully to compete in the Olympic games. Today, the nations of the earth put aside differences
and compete in a spirit of peace.
Student 2
The second ideal of Olympism is friendship and goodwill to all people. This ideal invites us to
value and respect everyone, even if they don't look, think or speak like we do. Being a friend is
easy if you remember that there is one thing that we all have in common. It's a light within each
of us. "See Us Shine."
SONG: SEE US SHINE (Full Sing)
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We believe the very best way to illustrate this ideal is by letting the students' faces tell the
story. Simple hand actions or movements can be used effectively, but we recommend not letting
anything get in the way of their smiles and faces.
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Student 3
The third ideal is fair play and sportsmanship. Being honest is the first step towards building
trust and making new friends. Winning should never be more important than being fair. In every
Olympic Games, one athlete is asked to represent all the athletes in taking an oath of
sportsmanship and fair play.
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One student steps forward, holds up his/her right hand, and recites the oath. All the other students
should raise their right hands as if the one person is speaking for all of them.
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Student Representative
In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games respecting
and abiding by the rules that govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of
sport and the honor of our teams.
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All the other students should give a big cheer at the conclusion of the oath. They should welcome
the representative back in their ranks with handshakes and high fives.
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Student 4
The fourth ideal of Olympism is the appreciation of fine arts. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies
are beautiful programs with music, dancing and pageantry. Sharing art and music encourages
understanding of the different people and cultures of the world.
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This could be a wonderful opportunity to have some students do some simple dances while the others
sing. Some of the students who are in costume from the "Parade of Nations" could perform traditional
dances from the countries they represent. Several different kinds of dances could be performed one
after another.
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SONG: DREAM WITH ME (Full Sing)
Student 5
The fifth ideal is brightness and enthusiasm of the games. We can accomplish this if we keep the
spirit of Olympism in our hearts. We cannot all be Olympic athletes and win gold medals, but we
can each have Olympic-sized dreams. We can live the Olympic ideals. We can celebrate the Olympic
spirit by doing the best we can and being the best we can be.
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We believe this segment of the program could be a great opportunity to feature and celebrate the
personal achievements and dreams of many students from every school.
A small podium or platform could be placed in front. While the group sings, "Dream with Me," several
students could step up on the podium one at a time, holding or wearing something that has special
meaning to them. They might hold a musical instrument, a report card, a book, a uniform, a ball,
a golf club, a model airplane, skis, a painting or picture - anything that is important to them.
They may even carry something symbolic of a dream or goal they have. As each student stands on the
platform, a simple ribbon with a gold foil medal is placed around his/her neck by a teacher or
principal.
We see this as a time to recognize the "gold medal" inside every student. This could also provide
some wonderful opportunities for teachers to find and recognize those students who could especially
benefit from a wonderful esteem-building experience.
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SONG: ONE WORLD (Full Sing)
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Narrator
A few weeks after the Olympic Games are held, Utah will host the Paralympics. World class, disabled
athletes from many nations will compete in Olympic events. These athletes work, train, and earn the
right to represent their countries and compete for the gold. Mentally challenged individuals
participate in the Special Olympics. The oath of the Special Olympics expresses the hope of every
athlete - and all of us.
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The oath of the Special Olympics is simple and powerful. You may want to consider having the entire
group learn it and repeat it together.
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All students
Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
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The song, "I've Climbed a Mountain," is a celebration of effort. The choreography and actions for
this song should give a sense of moving forward and having the courage to get back up after a fall.
Marching in place, reaching upward, and falling down and then rising back up are all actions that
give a sense of working for a lofty goal. This is a good opportunity to teach the youth the
important principle that failure is often just a step on the road to success, that anything of real
worth will require hard work and sacrifice. We hope this song will instill in students the desire to
keep trying even when it isn't easy.
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SONG: I'VE CLIMED A MOUNTAIN (Full Sing)
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Narrator
A good friend and colleague of Pierre de Coubertin, a Dominican monk named Father Henri Didon,
articulated his friend's dream and the spirit of Olympism when he said; "The most important thing
in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; just as the most important thing in life is
not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought
well."
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During the song, "I Played the Game," slides of Olympic events can be projected on a screen. This is
the one opportunity to show actual images of the Olympics while the students are singing.
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SONG: I PLAYED THE GAME (Full Sing)
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The song, "I've Climbed a Mountain," is a celebration of effort. The choreography and actions for
this song should give a sense of moving forward and having the courage to get back up after a fall.
Marching in place, reaching upward, and falling down and then rising back up are all actions that
give a sense of working for a lofty goal. This is a good opportunity to teach the youth the
important principle that failure is often just a step on the road to success, that anything of real
worth will require hard work and sacrifice. We hope this song will instill in students the desire to
keep trying even when it isn't easy.
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SONG: I'VE CLIMED A MOUNTAIN (Full Sing)
Narrator(CONT'D)
Soon, we will welcome the world to our valleys, to our mountains, to the greatest snow on earth.
Who knows what amazing things will happen here? What records will be broken? What miracles we
will see? No one knows for sure, but one thing is certain - get ready, the world is coming to
Utah. Join us in opening our arms and hearts to all nations. We represent America's youth. May
the Olympic flame light the fire within each of us to reach for the highest and best we can be.
Let it shine, let it ring - light the dream.
MUSIC: LIGHT THE DREAM (Reprise)
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You may want to consider involving the audience in singing the song, "Light the Dream." The lyrics
could be projected on a screen or printed and handed out prior to the program. A strong, visual
effect, which will demonstrate the excitement and glitter of the Olympic ceremonies, can be easily
implemented during the final song. Each student can be given a small cardboard square covered with
aluminum foil with the shiny side out. These cards act as small mirrors reflecting a spotlight
directed on the students from the rear of the auditorium. The students can flutter their cards in
the light and create a visual effect similar to a huge mirror ball.
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MUSIC: LIGHT THE DREAM
MUSIC: INSTRUMENTAL
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This song is not part of the program but may be used according to your discretion.
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