What a joy it was to spend Saturday, September 26, at Arizona State University with the Arizona Kodály Teachers Society! From 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon, we did what children all over the world do best: we played.

The workshop, Creative Music Making Through Multicultural Games, brought together singing games that I have gathered over many years. Some came from my fieldwork in the Philippines. Others were taught to me by my own students at international schools in Japan, and by the students and families of a wonderfully diverse California school where more than twenty languages were spoken. I have always believed that these games are little treasures. They carry the culture of the children who play them, and they open the door to movement, improvisation, and all kinds of musical exploration.

A game, however, is only as alive as the people playing it, and this group was very much alive! I deeply appreciated the willingness of the participants to create a safe environment where everyone could freely offer ideas. There was laughter, there was creativity, and there was the kind of trust that makes music making a delight. My heartfelt thanks to every participant who came, with a special mention of the teachers who drove more than three hours from Kingman. Your dedication touched me.

My sincere appreciation goes to the AKTS Board, under the leadership of Nichol Elgin, for the hard work that they do for the organization. Thank you for the invitation to present, and for the opportunity to play and simply have fun.

My gratitude also goes to Dr. Sandra Stauffer, Vice Dean and Professor at the School of Music, Dance and Theatre of Arizona State University, who so graciously assisted me with my slides during the presentation. Her support for the organization is evident, and it is deeply appreciated.

My day was made even more exciting by the surprise attendance of a good friend, Dr. Thomas Kite, who drove all the way from Tucson. What a wonderful surprise, Tom. Thank you!

I left Tempe with a full heart. Until we play again!