In celebration of the new academic year, Sag Harbor Elementary School students had their traditional back-to-school picnic which included grilling and a local band performance. Due to weather conditions, the picnic and concert were held indoors in the school’s gymnasium.

The classes mingled with new and returning friends during their picnic lunch and then came together with the entire elementary school for the concert. This year, the local band “Mamalee Rose and Friends” held a soulful performance for the students. Songs included “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles for some rhythm and movement, “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King as a reminder to students to help each other in adversary, and as requested by the students, “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and the Wailers which brought collective singing.

Other performed songs encouraged the students to count, recite the alphabet, and spell, such as “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. “Respect” was performed as a tribute to Mrs. Reyers in prekindergarten, who teaches students the value of respecting one another in the classroom as they move up to elementary school.

From rock to blues, and as a family-centered band with mother and daughter as lead vocalists and father and husband on the drums, “Mamalee Rose and Friends” brought great discussions and uplifting tunes for the whole school to enjoy.