On November 10th, Fieldston students were treated to a live performance from beloved upper school Spanish teacher and coach, Leslie Spalding and his band Sangha Tierra, in celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Panamanian Independence Month and World Kindness Day.
As their music played, students packed into the commons to get a snippet of the live music which included covers of well-known songs such as “Fly Like an Eagle” by the Steve Miller Band and “Kiss” by Prince. Gabriel Dayan (Form V), said the performance was “fantastic and really well done, and gave me something to look forward to during lunch that day.” By the end of lunch, the sound of thunderous applause could be heard radiating from the commons. The performance was a success and helped to bring the Fieldston community together, something which Spalding set out to do in accordance with World Kindness Day.
Spalding, who is Panamanian, also paid tribute to the contributions of indigenous peoples/first peoples to The Americas (North, Central, South and Caribbean)
For Spalding doing this was important, “the band is very social justice oriented and inspired by spirituality.”
Spalding and Sangha Tierra succeeded in creating more than just a musical experience, they helped to remind the Fieldston community of a deeper understanding of the culture and consciousness. As students reveled in the captivating tunes, the communal space of the commons transformed into a hub of cultural exchange. The success of the performance in uniting the Fieldston community underlines the potential for music and the arts to serve as powerful mediums for fostering understanding and unity.
Watch a video compilation of the performance here: https://vimeo.com/884954839/d951e2140d?share=copy
