Sing of YOUR School!

This blog post is third in a series focusing on music for school & community. 

In 2015 I was honored to be the first Composer-in-Residence for the historic Washington Elementary School in Raleigh, North Carolina. Washington was founded in 1923 as the first public African American Graded and High School in Raleigh. The school is now a diverse "gifted and talented" elementary magnet school in the Wake County Public School System. In 2023 and 2025, Washington was named top magnet elementary school in the country by the Magnet Schools of America. My friend, Bo Reece, was the school's long-time and beloved music teacher. ​

​I was commissioned to compose a flexibly-voiced school song with piano accompaniment and accessible parts for student orchestra and band. I began by getting to know the school through conversation with the students and faculty, asking them what makes their school special. I received hundreds of index cards on which they provided their responses. After reading them all, three things were clear: Washington Elementary, (and "school" in general) could be thought of as a place to be honored, a people who make a difference, and a time that's meaningful. These ideas gave form to the lyrics and inspired the music for the resulting piece: Sing of Our School. 

The premiere of Sing of Our School was performed by student and faculty choir with piano, student band and orchestra. Providing a performance opportunity for the entire school community, the piece works well for school commencements, graduations, anniversaries, or any time school is celebrated. 

2016 Premiere Performance
Bo Reece, Conductor
(video with lyrics below)

95th Anniversary T-Shirt
​with lyrics from Sing of Our School

Because the song offers alternative lyrics and a creative opportunity to include any school's name in the piece, it may be effectively expressed by any school. ​​

100th Anniversary performance
​by a select school choir
(includes lyrics in video)