Beijing middle-schoolers share culture and music

This is a special report for Campbell Patch, courtesy of spokeswoman, Marla Olszewski.

“We’re thrilled to have the students come and share their music and culture with us,” Monroe Middle School music teacher Ari Brown said about Friday's visit by the Wenhui Middle School Baihua Art Troupe of Beijing, China. “I was so surprised when I got the e-mail saying they would like to visit Monroe Middle School.”

The 72 middle-school students and staff of the Baihua Art Troupe are touring schools during a two-week trip across the United States as part of a cultural exchange performance program.

The students toured the school, giggling and filled with the curiosity of adolescence. Their teachers said they hope the tour will help to build understanding and friendship between the two countries through music.

The Art Troupe students joined the Monroe Middle School band in a school concert. Members of the Art Troupe recited an ancient Chinese poem, performed a Mongolian dance, played an instrument called the Zhuangruan and sang a variety of songs, including traditional Chinese tunes and a well-known American song, It’s a Small World.

On Saturday, the students traveled to their next destinations: Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia.

Monroe Middle School, part of the Campbell Union School District, has more than 850 students in grades five through eight. It i  at 1055 S. Monroe St., in San Jose.