A Celebration of Hispanic Music and Culture

May 11, 2001

On Friday evening, May 11, we had a community celebration at Old Lincoln High to applaud the accomplishments of our students and celebrate the efforts of teachers, administrators and the arts community. This was a first-ever joint celebration for the two international schools - the John Stanford International School and Hamilton International Middle School. The program started with greetings from both of the principals, Ms. Karen Kodama and Mr. Terry Acena.

Student performances included:

• 2nd and 3rd graders performing a Peruvian children's chant with Spanish teacher Brent Hester
• K-1 and 6th graders sang a Cuban song with artist-in-residence musician Elspeth Macdonald
• The Hamilton Jazz Band, directed by teacher Bud Jackson
• 4th and 5th grade Andean dancers with teacher Nani Castor-Peck
• Hamilton salsa dancers with teacher/advisor Thea Richardson
• "El Mago de Oz" skit by a Hamilton Spanish class with teacher Claudia Sandler

A highlight of the evening was a guest appearance by Juan-Carlos Formell, Cuban singer/songwriter, artist-in-residence, and Seattle International Children's Festival artist.

Masks created by students with artists-in-residence Nathan Scott and Wendy Mahon were on display.

Thanks to Cathy Palmer for providing pictures of the Hispanic Celebration.