Concert caps week of cultural activities

Worcester Telegram and Gazette, www.telegram.com
By Vito J. Leo Correspondent - Sunday, March 27, 2005

WOODSTOCK— Language students at Woodstock Academy punctuated a weeklong focus on foreign cultures with a Senegalese-style concert that certainly put them in the mood for a rocking weekend.

“I think it’s wonderful for the kids to go out of the school dancing,” said language instructor Merry Burke, who helped organize the school’s Culture Week for the 10th consecutive year.

Charmed by the rhythmic sounds coming from the six musicians on stage, more than 100 students snaked down to the front of the auditorium, clapping and dancing to the beat that might be described as a rocking mix of early Santana and the late Bob Marley.

“I liked the concert mostly because it was refreshing to listen to a style of music so different from what one hears on the radio these days and yet still entertaining and pleasant,” said junior Jessica Deary of Pomfret. “Culture Week is very informative and it reminds people that there is a whole, wide world outside of Woodstock; it helps people to be more open-minded about different cultures.”

Jessica knows from whence she speaks, having traveled to Senegal with a contingent from the academy.

“After visiting Senegal, I have been much more open-minded about different views on subjects such as polygamy, and I am much more thankful for the opportunities I have in this country such as education and freedom of speech,” she said. “The most different thing about Senegal was the Senegalese perspective on life. Everything was very laid back and people were incredibly friendly. Also, of course, many people were very poor and it was kind of a shock to see so much poverty.”

The West African nation may be financially poor but there appears to be a richness in the Senegalese way of life.

“Once I understood their mentality regarding the ranking of certain issues, such as women’s rights versus monetary issues, I was able to absorb their unique and diverse culture, which was equally as enjoyable as northeastern Connecticut, just supported by a different way of life,” said senior Aoife McCarthy of Pomfret, who also made the trip.

Students at the academy got a hint of that different way of life during the concert, which culminated a week that included “morning announcements in a different language each day and you had to guess the language,” says Jacob Duncan of Woodstock, and daily attire in the colors of the flags of designated nations.

“We all dressed up in different countries’ colors each day. It was awesome,” said freshman Caitlin Child of Woodstock.

And who doesn’t enjoy a concert?

“I loved it all, especially the singing,” said sophomore Amanda Paquette of Woodstock.

The singer was Senegal native Mamadou Diop, who now resides in the Salem, Mass. area.

“Love, peace, hope — you make it happen,” said Mr. Diop. “Always stay positive in your life; never give up.”

His message delivered, the Senegal native called for the students to “come down” for some fun.

Soon, more than 100 kids stood in front of the stage, clapping their hands over their heads, dancing to the enticing rhythm of Mr. Diop’s snare drum.

“This is pretty good, the drums and guitar are pretty cool,” said sophomore Clint Beausoleil. “It’s a lot better than I thought it was going to be.”

Which sums up many Woodstock Academy students’ reaction to the customs of other countries to which they were exposed during Culture Week.