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On December 15th, 2011, 56 fifth graders, members of the Pleasantdale School Chorus, presented their Annual Fifth Grade International Festival for family, friends, and members of the West Orange, NJ, public school system. The musical portion of the program was followed by an elaborate International Buffet created by the families of the students. All enjoyed the various foods unique to each culture.
Following the program, many positive comments were offered about the wonderful feelings of unity, peace, understanding, and happiness encouraged by this program.
Imagine 56 students representing over 25 nationalities singing and dancing to the music of their cultures, in a joyous and warm atmosphere of peace and acceptance. Isn't that we all want to see in our world today? Music is a powerful tool in educating everyone in a positive, uplifting way about the great diversity in our society today.
 Learning about the music of different countries and directly experiencing it through participation in song and dance reinforces the commonalities that all cultures have.... the desire to transmit emotion and experiences through music and to celebrate all facets of life.
The Fifth grade teachers, Douglas Norrie, Amy Pacifico, and Maria Larezza and I integrate the Social Studies Curriculum with the Music Curriculum to enhance the learning about World Cultures. I am pleased to report that all the children were very enthusiastic and happy to sing In different languages and, additionally, to learn about the various holidays celebrated by many including Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa.
I accompanied all the songs with my accordion and the children playing percussion instruments added to the excitement and liveliness of each song. It is so easy to arrange rehearsals in the classroom, gym, cafeteria etc just by taking the accordion along. No hassles with the movement of pianos. The accordion, part of so many cultures, is truly the perfect instrument to showcase the flavor of each country. Among the many songs included were: "Pat Works on the Railway"(Ireland); "Feliz Navidad"(Spanish); "Waka Waka Dance" (Africa); "Oh Chanukah" (Israel); "God Bless America" (USA).
I believe that vocal music teachers should play the accordion. Having taught music for over thirty years in public school, there were some years of not having a music room. I would visit the classes bringing the accordion, rhythm instruments, song sheets. No problem to transport and quickly set up the lesson.
 Leading Flag Day programs outside, the accordion insures that all will enjoy singing to a complete accompaniment. Audience involvement? I am not stuck behind a stationary piano. I can stroll around the gym or auditorium encouraging all to sing a long!
It is very gratifying to see the positive reactions of children to the accordion. The visual component is extremely powerful. All you have to do is go to one of my pre school classes or even a fifth grade. They are all fascinated by the accordion. and, they think it is very COOL! Every morning, the Pledge of Allegiance is said in the school office by students. I am there with my accordion and various students sing a flag song, all broadcast to the entire school. It is so easy to bring the accordion.
Playing the accordion not only enhances every aspect of the music program but it also increases the employment potential for a prospective music teacher. With or without a music room, the teacher can successfully teach without sacrificing quality.
West Orange is a culturally diverse community. The Pleasantdale School students modeled wonderful cooperation in communicating their cultures to
their friends and the parents of their classmates. The presentation displayed a warmth that would charm every group within our society. The sharing of cultural experiences at Pleasantdale School created a bond which will not be broken. The entire gathering will remember the performance as a true celebration for all Americans. The accordion is an integral part of all the represented countries.
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The Pleasantdale Fifth Grade presented an encore performance of their International Festival for the entire school on Friday, December 23rd at 10:AM. Deborah Rees also accompanied playing her guitar.The musical program was filmed by the audiovisual department of West Orange High School. The program was broadcast on Comcast TV Channel 36 and Fios Channel 45 many times during the December holiday season.
The Pleasantdale Fifth Grade Chorus will be featured at the Livingston Mall (Livingston, New Jersey) on March 8th, 2012 at 11am in conjunction with the Pride In Education Program.
Pleasantdale School principal, Joanne Pollara, said: "Through our International Luncheon event and the student projects displayed, we learned so much! We are reminded that despite our differences, all cultures incorporate music to celebrate joys, to share sorrows and tell the story of our lives. Our Pleasantdale community celebrations are memory makers for children to share with their families in the future and for parents to cherish. James M. Barrie once wrote, 'God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.' This week our fifth grade students and teachers gave us a beautiful December rose."
All are invited to attend future performances. For further information please contact Rita Davidson: ritabelll@aol.com |