It’s A Musical World!     A third grader in Ms. Dawn Toelken’s class used Lummi Sticks during the class’ performance of the New Zealand song Paikea.

In celebration of our musical world, Nine Mile Falls Elementary presented an extravaganza of singing, dancing, and cultural history. Families and community members packed the gym on Friday, June 30th, to watch Singing and Dancing Around the World, an all-school musical performance. This event was the direct outcome of conversations that teachers had during their Thursday morning collaboration time.

At Nine Mile Falls Elementary, the staff has made a focused effort to find avenues to incorporate art into their curriculum. They want to introduce their students to all aspects of the arts: visual, dance, drama, and music. The idea for an all-school musical performance with a cultural theme grew from this desire.

Music teacher Theresa Nelson took the lead role in researching songs, dances, and assigning each classroom teacher a country. Then the class learned some general information about their country, including replicating the flag. Songs and dances were practiced both during music class with Mrs. Nelson and during regular class hours. Even Mr. Mortlock stretched his learning curve to teach dances during PE!

For the performance, each class created simple, cultural costumes to wear. Students introduced their class’ country by sharing the information they had learned. A PowerPoint slide show with a map and scenes of the region was shown while the students spoke. Then the singing and dancing took center stage.

Much fun was had dancing the Pata Pata, becoming a Chinese Dragon, and learning to sing Shalom Chaverim Hora. Through Singing and Dancing Around the World, the school and its community came together to learn about cultures through music. At Nine Mile Falls Elementary School, art has a unifying beat.