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Annual International Celebration at Kelly Elementary School Takes Musical World Tour, Pays Tribute to Retiring Music Teacher
WEST ORANGE, NJ - Kelly Elementary School held its annual International Celebration for Fifth Grade families on Feb. 23 and for students on Feb. 24, with the event serving as a tribute to retiring music teacher Deborah Rees. Rees is retiring on March 1 after 16 years of dedicated service to the West Orange School District.
Students performed more than a dozen musical numbers in several languages, including "The Picnic of the World," the Israeli folk song "Zum Gali Gali," the Calypso children's tune "Tingalayo," the Salsa work "Cantar!" and the Gullah spiritual "Yonder Come Day". Brothers Ethan and Evan Haefner played "Moonlight Sonata" and "Claire de Lune"on piano, and Jenna Gakuru gave a solo performance of "Jambo Bwana (Hakuna Matata)" in Swahili. Ms. Rees provided piano accompaniment, music teacher Benjamin Norkus conducted, several students formed a percussion section, and fourth-grade teacher Kelly Clancy led students in providing sign-language translation.
Students entered the gymnasium carrying handmade national flags and also arranged displays of books, artworks and other objects representing countries significant to them.
The whole performance served as a tribute to Ms. Rees, who will retire to New Hampshire. Through their songs from around the world, students proposed a travel itinerary for her to follow before she settles down. Wherever she goes, fifth grader Braylon Adams said in closing, "we hope that you will rest easy knowing that your legacy will be here at Kelly forever."
Thanks to parent Ryan Stanley for covering the International Celebration, providing the article, and taking photos.
Retiring music teacher Deb Rees and students
Feb. 28, 2023