students and staff on stage

College Park Elementary's students definitely have a rhythm -- and so do the teachers!

On Feb. 23, the whole school welcomed Orisirisi, an African folklore group that introduced students to the African art of music and storytelling as part of Black History Month.

Specifically, the group performed its "Moonlight Stories" show, a recreation of the African storytelling tradition, featuring mesmerizing drumming and dance, spirited call-and-response songs, and fun-filled audience participation. VIEW PHOTOS.

Orisirisi did two performances for the students, one for CERDEP through second graders and another one for the upper grade levels. Students were introduced to the stories "Dog and Turtle", "The Wolf and the Three Kids," and "Anansi and his Six Sons."

Students got really into the musical portion of the performance. Six students were invited on stage to test their skills on African drums, and staff members also came up to play accompanying instruments.

When it came to who performed the best, the vote was unanimous -- the children.