Fourth Grade Spring Concert

Since the fall, the Class of 2029 has been learning to read melodies in treble clef staff and play the recorder. They showed off their growing skills, filling the Campus Center Stage with the sounds of recorders, barred instruments—specifically Orff instruments, like xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels—and a variety of other non-pitched percussion to accompany their singing.

The concert was split into three sections. The fourth graders first honored Native Americans by singing a welcome song and two grass game songs. The second section offered a glimpse into the many immigrant nationalities of the Gold Rush with the song “Gold Panning!” followed by a Chinese folk song expressing the beauty of the jasmine flower, “Mo Li Hua.” “Rattlin’ Bog/Mursheen Durkin Medley” was also included to represent the large Irish immigrant presence in the Gold Rush. The last section imagines miners around a campfire after a long day at work. Students shared “Skin and Bones,” a ghost story, and “Pork and Beans,” an original lyric referencing the sorry meal selection of most poor miners. Two final songs capturing the miners’ experience, “Hangtown Girls” and “Oh, California!” wrapped up the performance, belted out with enthusiasm by the full ensemble.

The concert was a great success! Not only did the fourth graders receive an ovation for their performance, but because they selected the theme themselves, they also proved they are prepared and eager to embark on their Outdoor Education trip, where they will experience more of the miners’ life they sang about firsthand!