As you know, many public schools are cutting back funding for the arts. And that includes music.
But Los Angeles elementary school teacher, Malinda Williams, took it upon herself to ensure her students didn’t grow up without music.
While she busily taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade at Baldwin Hills Elementary School, she somehow found time to bring music back to her school.
Since this teacher was also shocked by the “terrible” music her students listen to today, she wanted to expose them to the greats like Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, and The Supremes.
So she gave students a chance to perform this great music at “The Sounds of Motown,” a musical event the hard-working teacher put on for everyone. She wanted to remind the audience, the parents, and especially the students of the good ol’ days and how different life, and especially music, was back in the era of Motown.
The video included here shows Williams’ 3rd grade students performing the Jackson 5 hit “I Want You Back.”
If you agree with Williams that today’s music is pretty bad, allow this performance to restore some hope that the younger generation can still appreciate good songs.
Since the day of the show, the school has posted a tribute and thanks to the kids and staff who made this spectacular performance possible.
“Thanks to the talents and commitment of our students under the direction of Malinda Williams, assisted by Jackie Walker, we presented a tribute to the Sights and Sounds of Motown. A special thank you to the parents who made some of the amazing costumes. This would not have been a success without the contribution of our school community!” the school website states.
“After seeing the response I’ve gotten over these past few days, I realize that God has given me something special. “Thank you, Lord.”….This is a labor of love. Emphasis on the word labor, but a heavier emphasis on the word LOVE! I LOVE CHILDREN, I LOVE TO TEACH, I LOVE TO DANCE, I LOVE OLD SCHOOL MUSIC!” Williams proudly wrote on her Facebook wall after the fact.
Seeing those little kids in those costumes? Could they get any cuter! It’s no wonder their amazing performance instantly went viral!
Watch Jelani, Eugene, Ryan, Anthony, and Jalen pay tribute to The Jackson Five now!
SHARE this talented performance of a classic hit with your Facebook friends now!