A blue banner bearing the words “Motown” blazes across the base of the stage. A white satin curtain is the backdrop for the awesome musical production. Five third grade boys in blue vests and bell-bottoms are back-facing the audience. The rousing song “I Want You Back” electrifies the air. What in the world is happening here?
The LA students are enacting the “The Sounds of Motown,” a program choreographed by their teacher. Malinda Williams wanted her charges to experience the thrill of the 1960s classics. At that time, Motown was the sound of young America. The mega-watt talent of Motown artists united young and old, pop and soul, and white and black across the country. The 60s were the glory days of Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, and the Jackson 5. As a fan of the high-powered music, Ms. Williams designed a performance to showcase Motown faves. This video of one number is a classic in itself.
Each boy is a Michael Jackson look-alike, with a full-fledged ‘fro and fancy footwork. Two of the boys are brandishing guitars. With arms flailing and legs sailing in perfect sync, these cutest of boys are a hoot! White shirts are flashing. Bell-bottoms are prancing. The students of Baldwin Hills Elementary School are the pride of their delighted teacher.
While US elementary school budgets are slashing music education funds, it’s heartening to hear of teachers like Malinda Williams. Dedicated to preserving the music curriculum in our schools, she’s an educator who loves children. Her Facebook post and video are a testimony to student musical talent that awaits creative expression. For her role in teaching third through fifth graders, Ms. Williams feels supremely blessed. With heartfelt passion, she exclaims, “I love children, teaching, dancing, and old school music!”
