On Wednesday, April 29, Lower School students and their families gathered in Mary Eliot Chapel for the annual spring concert, and the evening was full of wonderful music and proud performers. Lower School Music Teacher Dr. Katy Nichols created the program, titled Community in Rhythm: Songs From and About Africa. The children presented 10 songs, each one a vibrant reflection of our world and the hard work of these students.
“I wanted the kids to have opportunities to sing songs from different countries in Africa and in different languages,” explains Dr. Nichols. “They played beautifully for all the songs.”
She notes that the children were committed to offering a professional musical experience for their families, learning over the past few months what appropriate expectations are for musicians. She relied on our fourth graders to be good leaders and role models for their younger schoolmates. “I was so proud of them,” she said. “They set the tone for our rehearsals and our concert.”
In addition to singing and leading, every fourth-grade student played an instrument for the concert. Dr. Nichols notes that it’s important that younger students witness the fourth graders working hard. “Our fourth graders were phenomenal leaders. I felt so uplifted, because of how professional they were,” she said. “As musicians, we’ve always done a good job, but adding the extra layer that made them come across as polished was the difference, and the fact that they understood that part.”
Students provided beautiful introductions to both the whole program and to each song. “Tonight we are taking you on a musical trip!” said Nash B. ’34. Other students continued, “You don’t need a passport or a suitcase, just your ear and a sense of rhythm.” The first song, Funga Alafia from West Africa, is a song of greeting and peace and was presented by all Lower School students. Next, they moved to Jamba, which is a Swahili greeting that means “Hello!” and is a joyful way to greet friends and neighbors.
Younger students left the stage, leaving third and fourth graders to present Waka Waka, which became famous during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Junior and Senior Kindergarten students then returned to sing Kye, Kye Kule, a Ghanian call-and-response song pronounced “chay, chay, kool-ay.” The song’s format invites audience participation, and the students were delighted to get an enthusiastic reaction from their families. The Lion Sleeps Tonight, a crowd favorite, is inspired by a Zulu song about a lion. “This song reminds us of the animals and beautiful landscapes of Africa,” said Juliette M. ’38.
First and second graders presented Wavin’ Flag, written by a Somalian about hope, freedom, and a brighter future. Then they offered a popular song from The Lion King: Hakuna Matata. “Hakuna Matata” is a phrase from the Swahili language that means “no worries.”
Third and fourth graders offered a rousing three-part round of Banaha, a simple song from the Democratic Republic of the Congo that helped people keep a steady rhythm while they worked. “It reminds us that music can make hard work feel lighter and more joyful,” said Susie S. ’35. After Banaha, they sang Sisi Ni Moja, which means “We are one.” Lucy K. 34 explained, “Even though we come from different places and cultures, music connects us.”
Finally, Beasley students invited Head of School Jay Rainey to the stage. Mr. Rainey has been a regular accompanist at Lower School concerts, and students love seeing him. Emma G. ’35 said, “We have been lucky to learn and grow under your leadership, and we are grateful for all you have given to our school.” Reed S. ’35 said, “We will miss your visits to the dining hall, the Gymateria, the playground, and our classrooms.” Ben P. ’35 said, “We wanted to give you something special—a way to always stay connected to us. These handprint and fingerprint artworks, signed by the Beasley students, show that you have made an imprint on our lives.”
After presenting the art to Mr. Rainey, every Lower School student returned to the stage as Mr. Rainey sat at the piano. Together, they offered a song about the special connections that bring us together: Rainbow Connection. It was the perfect song to wrap up a wonderful Spring Concert.
In the school days following the program, Dr. Nichols gave each student the opportunity to reflect on their experience. They drew pictures and wrote about what they were most proud of, and what they want to continue working on. Julia H. ’36 shared that she did really well with “being quiet during tranzishens” and that she wants to work on “remembering the moshens.” Claire S. ’36 was proud of “not skqueeking my chair” but admits that she needs to work on “not talking.” Tina S. ’36 did well despite her stage fright and says she wants to stop distracting her neighbor. Lily N. 34 was succinct in her reflection on what she did well and what she wants to work on: “Sing. Less talking.” Well, Lower Schoolers, we think you all did a fantastic job!
“It felt like a joyful celebration of how far they’ve come as music students, and then they were able to recognize that,” said Dr. Nichols. “That made me so proud of them.” We are proud of all our talented Beasley students, too!
Check out the program below, and this design by Morgan Macam ’26:
