4th and 5th graders at Malcolm Brown Auditorium were enchanted with the storytelling, drumming and singing of “The Healing Force.”  This Winston-Salem based group has been bringing African rhythms to Cleveland County for many years.  Many of their instruments are handmade, customizable and available for purchase like the Shekere at www.thehealingforceonline.com.  The students sang, “Funga Alafia!  Ashe, ashe!” Translation: “We welcome you with open arms from the bottom of our hearts!  Yes, yes!”
Local Music Teacher, Roseann Evans’ Shelby Intermediate students accompanied the group from the audience with movements as others just gazed in amazement, listening to the four part harmony of the Anderson family, (l-r) Sonji, Karim, Mama Gail and Baba Joe.  The Cleveland County Arts Council’s program, Arts in Education allows Cleveland County students an opportunity to see quality artists and entertainment.  The show ended with a ‘jam session’ of about 40 lucky students from the audience.
You can view the video at:
http://shelbyinfo.com/music-cms-2644
The Tarradiddle Players will present, “The Velveteen Rabbit” for the next Arts in Education performance for Kindergarten and First Grade students later this November.
J. Justin Harper
Music Teacher
James Love Elementary
Jefferson Elementary