The array of flags from around the world brighten the once empty and dark multi-purpose room (MPR) as performers take a bow marking this year’s 14th annual World Music Day (WMD).
“When I am performing, the audience makes me feel supported even though I am nervous,” said sophomore Mose Judge-Glascock, who played the drums and guitar on songs “Africa” by Toto and “Hotel California” by Eagles, among others.
Students and parents alike attended the after-school performance on Oct. 25 dedicated to highlight the late Daniel Pearl’s love for music, which was also streamed on YouTube by Pearl Net News. This year’s WMD theme of “Places Around the World and Within the Mind” was showcased with a variety of flags decorating the MPR, as well as different language greetings including Italian, German and Tagalog. This was a day dedicated to bring everyone together, regardless of differences, through the diverse language of music.
More than 30 students contributed to the two-hour-long performance. Students performed various songs such as “Brazil” by Declan McKenna, “The Man Who Sold The World” by David Bowie and “Deja Vu” by Olivia Rodrigo, as well as Spanish songs such as “Cariño” by The Marías, “Eres” by Café Tacvba and “Soledad y el Mar” by Natalia Lafourcade.
“I really love the concept of this year’s theme. It really brings out how in our own special ways we are all the same at the end of the day,” said junior Leeron Nakash, who sang multiple songs including “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & The Papas and “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The concert this year celebrated Pearl’s 60th birthday. At the beginning of the concert, there was a reading by senior Natalya Lembo to pay tribute to Pearl. As the night went on, the audience not only got to witness a concert but also students uniting themselves through music.
“Daniel Pearl traveled the world trying to unite people,” said music teacher Wes Hambright, the main coordinator of the event. “Especially in this day and age, we need to be more united. And with all that’s going on, it’s good to remember that we don’t all have to fall into that trap. We can be uniters and not dividers.”
