From the Music Room a wonderful range of sounds filters into my office, from the voices of children singing to the sound of musical instruments such as recorders or ukuleles.  Lately, the rhythmic beat of conga and bongo drums, claves (rhythm sticks), shakers, and timbales has been reverberating down the hallway.  Rolando Sanchez, well known for his contributions to the development of salsa music in Hawaii, has been guest artist on campus, working with the fifth graders.  He is a percussionist, singer, songwriter, and producer of Latin salsa music.  In collaboration with music teacher Diane Koshi, Mr. Sanchez is teaching students to play syncopated rhythms, all of which require a number of skills -- listening, concentration, and cooperation.  This unit of study follows percussionist Michael Wall's visit with fifth graders when the ability to concentrate, listen attentively, and follow directions was put to the test as students played a variety of percussion instruments.  Needless to say, music class lately has been THE favorite time of the day!   I have never witnessed such intent and focus among the students as when they are each playing a percussion instrument, heads nodding and feet tapping the offbeats.  I've spied a faculty member or parent now and then dancing down the hallway.

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