Spencerport school to spend "an evening in Japan"

Students in all grade levels at Spencerport's Taylor Elementary School are preparing for "An Evening in Japan," an interdisciplinary concert with a central theme. This concert supports Spencerport's School Wide Enrichment Model. Students will share their knowledge of Japanese culture, including music, food and social customs. Taylor music teacher Kenneth Rhodes visited Japan and was inspired to share the culture of that country with his school. One featured participant is world-class koto musician Ryuko Mizutani.

Rhodes selected and arranged Japanese music for students in the Taylor Band to perform. Students in the fourth and fifth grade band program did more than rehearse with their instruments. Each student prepared a research project and display about a facet of Japanese culture such as food, sports, instruments, cities and famous people.

Students in first, second and third grades are involved preparing Japanese flags, flower pressings and writing Haikus.

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant and Hibachi Steakhouse will provide parents and student samples of Japanese white rice, miso soup, wasabi crackers and tea following the performances.

The free event is Wednesday, March 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Terry A. Taylor Elementary School Cafeteria, 399 Ogden Parma Town Line Road, Spencerport.

March 11, 2007