January 2008

Building on Musical Foundations Part I: Featuring Camille Mancuso by Mrs. Donna, North Canton, Ohio

In 1999, when Christina Mancuso attended an informational meeting about HeartStrings, her ears perked up when she heard that “fussy babies [are often calm and] very interested during class.” Sure enough, at Mrs. Lynnette’s class, then three-month old Camille was wide-eyed and amazed. Christina ponders: “All of that crying was probably just…singing!”

What a SINGER little Camille turned out to be! At age eight, Camille Mancuso has already performed in local musicals and was named a runner-up in Broadway auditions in New York City. Last year, she performed with the Kidz’ Bop World Tour, Columbus.

Camille’s latest role? “I’m cast as ‘Molly,’ in Annie. My favorite song is: ‘Hard Knock Life’…While I’m singing, they pick me up and throw me on the bed.” Capping the image with a quick laugh (contagious enthusiasm for her art) she continues, “We have long rehearsals, but…it’s fun because you get to hang out with your friends…”

See the sidebar to the right for more information on tickets for Annie.

Christina considers WeJoySing a “great start” for Camille, who participated in HeartStrings until she was five. Now, nearly nine years after the family’s first encounter with WeJoySing, they’re still involved (Camille’s two younger siblings currently attend).
Christina says, “I’m a big fan of WeJoySing. I love the songs; I love what you stand for and what you’re all about.”

What is WeJoySing all about? In an age when many programs try to create “little Einsteins” or “the next idol,” parents may be surprised that these are not the focus of WeJoySing (though they might be by-products). One of WeJoySing’s primary goals is to nurture family bonding.

“When you get to hold your baby on your lap and share the bond of music, it’s just a really special thing,” shares Christina. “When Camille was under one year old, I’d hear her singing the songs. [Later, it helped] with sibling development too…” As Camille taught songs to her brother and sister, their relationship was strengthened.

The music they share also seems to have quelled sibling rivalry. Christina attests: “Camille’s siblings are her biggest fans. They love to do what Camille is doing. Music has a way of connecting families together, and we teach [our children] that they’re all special. There’s no sense of competition in our family…at the end of the day, everyone still has to clear their own dishes from the table…”

When asked what she remembers most about WeJoySing, Camille fondly recalls: “Mrs. Lynnette used to sing this good-bye song. It went something like: ‘May there always be blue skies…’” and she sings her own rendition of the WeJoySing favorite: May There always be Sunshine.

What about Camille’s future? Without hesitation, the straight-A student and member of her school’s Gifted and Talented program replies, “I really want to be on Broadway…my goal is to be a really good Broadway singer…”

What does Mom look forward to most about her daughter’s future? “For her to have the confidence to go for her dreams….to watch it all unfold as she gets older…that will bring me the greatest joy..."

A Question from Mrs. Jo:
Did you, too attend that first parents’ meeting (or HeartStrings class) and discover that you’d be a “WeJoySing Parent” for life? Send your story of how WeJoySing changed your family’s life to: wejoysing@wejoysing.com Maybe your child will be featured in a future edition of Music Notes.

"Sing"cerely,
Mrs. Jo

For more information and to register call

614-868-0107
or toll free
1-877-299-8138

"As a new mom, it was so encouraging to come, be with other new moms, have fun with my son, and learn songs and skills I could use at home."