A Children’s Opera by Anthony Plog
Based on a Story by Ronald Kidd
Trumpet: I don’t want to be a candlestick
instead I want a life that’s filled with music
I’d love to play the entire day
and so to be a candlestick was not….my….pick!
When I play my melodies I feel as good as gold
I feel so happy and complete, I feel strong, I feel bold.
Tuba: I’m a tuba, um-pah
my friends call me Joe, ‘cause I just like to blow
every day I play my do sol, played in every key, though,
and I am the basis of the orchestra
when I lay down my line it’s law,
it makes me really happy and as you will see
when I play my C and G everybody knows the key
so I would like to say if you really think I may,
I love to play the whole long day, it’s just my way,
and I get paid.
Tuba: I live in a town where everything is melody and harmony
and if you would like to see, why not come along with me
to a place that’s fun for everyone, let’s run to Sinfonia.
Tuba: In Sinfonia, there’s music here, there’s music there
you play all day, that way you may
belong and soon your life becomes
a holiday in every way, when people stay to hear you play
so go with Joe, who plays so low
and we will see what we can be
it’s me for you and you for me when we’re
In Sinfonia, I have a key and you will be my guest,
please leave the rest and come with me.
Trumpet: Destiny, it is my destiny
and it was meant to be, so that I now can see
that it is up to me
I’m more than a piece of tin
I’ll show them when I’m in Sinfonia
Here’s my life, and it could be so nice
it could be such a view if I could only do
that which to me is new
and that is playing my music, not staying here,
please let me go.
Mother: So I will lose my boy, and he is my pride and joy
and if I let him go how can he ever know
how much this hurts.
It is a mother’s love, soft as a gentle dove
Can’t you see how I feel now that it is so real
that you will go.
Chorus: In Sinfonia their destiny will set them free
and life will be a melody
that makes it’s way throughout the day
with happiness that’s truly blessed
because they do what they do best
so now it’s time to leave behind
what was before to search for more
and have their say and find their way,
let’s go!
Flute: Now play along with me.
Trumpet: I can’t. I’ll make a fool of myself.
Flute: No, you won’t……..trust me.
Trumpet: Well, okay.
Flute: Music is much more than loud, it’s more than proud
it points the way for me so I can see how I should be
it’s my sight, it’s my light, and it makes my life complete
Trumpet: But it makes me proud when I play loud
and that is what I do
Flute: Try something new, just take my cue
and I’ll teach you to reach for a whole new way of life
So, what do you do best?
Trumpet: Fanfares, of course
Flute: Well, then let’s begin with that. Maestro, a fanfare, please.
Trumpet: Fanfares are my life
Trombone: I’ll play your fanfares with my slide
come with me and we will take a ride
toe to toe we will go, don’t say no, it is so,
and I’ll always be right by your side.
Why slide? you ask,’cause I can’t play so fast
and when I’ve won I’ll show you how it’s done,
and we’ll have fun as we go make our rounds
when I bring forth my noble sounds
it is fate, please don’t wait, don’t be late, I’ll be straight,
if I may, let me stay, please hear me play.
It’s up to you, please take my cue,
my slide will be your pride .
Trumpet: I should not be here. This is a nightmare for me,
now it’s so clear, so near. I thought I could make it
but I was wrong. This can not be my song.
I’ve lost my calling, I feel like I’m falling and
I should have never come here because now I am
all alone, I’m so sad, I miss my mom and my dad
now I’m crying ‘cause inside I’m dying
I can’t bear this sorrow, so I’ll leave tomorrow,
I know it now, I must go away from here.
That is my vow, that I’ll run from what I fear,
I will not stay, I’ll go away
What will I do, my life is through, I’ll leave.
Chorus: Now that you have saved Sinfonia
we know that friendship is the key
now we clearly see that you have brought us all together,
made us so much better.
Now we know we’re safe since you have found your place right here
and you have our devotion and it is our notion
that you will stay with us and that we will have your trust,
so we’ll be happy now if you will take your bow
and from today you’ve made your way into our group,
you’ve found your Toot!