VHEW students celebrate ancestries with music

Second-graders at Vestavia Hills West Elementary kicked off a special study of ancestry and immigration with a musical performance entitled, “America: The Land We Love.” Second grade classes treated classmates as well as family members to such musical selections as “Light the Torch, America,” “Put Your Hand on Your Heart” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” under the direction of West’s music teacher, Trudye Confessore.

Prior to the performances, the students researched their ancestry, determining the countries from which their ancestors immigrated. They selected a country and crafted costumes for the musical performances based on the clothing their relatives might have worn when coming to America. A variety of nationalities were represented by the children’s costumes, including from the British Isles, Europe, Africa and Asia.

During each performance, veterans in attendance were asked to stand and be recognized in appreciation of their service for our country.