Mountain Lakes High School
The thing that impressed us the most about the students was their willingness to try something new and how well they worked with each other. This was our first time working with high school students and I was amazed by how they responded to the meditation. In fact, several students commented later that it was their favorite part of the week and how it helped them relax and that they haven't felt that calm in a long time. Many students came up with images that were central to the mural, but everyone contributed no matter what their level or background was in art or drawing. After I wrote the song, I collaborated with four of Charles Sundquist's AP music theory class students to work out the arrangement and instrumentation. The performance at the end was very rewarding; many of the students were not used to singing or performing and I was grateful for their openness and voices.
“This was such a wonderful experience for our students at Mountain Lakes High School, to have art and music come together in our halls. It’s going to live on our walls forever and that’s such a testament to our students, the arts, to our honor code and I can’t be more pleased as Principal of Mountain Lakes.”
Principal Jeremy Davies
The Song: We Are One
Sometimes its hard to feel
We’re spinning like a wheel
But we’re turning this thing
We’re turning this thing around
Something it starts to change
The key and lock remains
But it’s in your hands It’s in your hands
Chorus:
We are one,
We are strong
We can help each other along
We can work together,
We can work together
It all comes down to trust
It’s the only way to love
We’re turning this thing
We’re turning this thing around
It all comes down to me
It’s my responsibility
To take care of all the things that are given to me
There a million different possibilities
Chorus:
We are one
We are strong
We can help each other along
If we work together
If we work together
Bridge:
And sometimes we all begin to fall fall
So send me a sign or just call call
We all fall sometimes
We all fall sometimes
But together we can climb back up again
All things they intersect
So we treat all with respect
So you will know how much
How much you mean to me.
Cause all living things want to be free.
Jennifer and I are indebted to art teacher Linda Aldrich for her guidance, trust, and enthusiasm for the project. She really helped us reach the students and was extremely involved. Everyone we met at Mountain Lakes High School was helpful and Jennifer and I learned so much from each individual who participated.
For more information about the Peace Garden Song and Mural Project, please call 973-634-3378 or E-mail: jennifer@princessmoxie.org