to Create Original Song "Welcome to Our School"

Last week, Mount Vernon’s youngest learners unveiled something truly special: their original song, “Welcome to Our School“, during Chapel. The preschoolers not only performed their composition but were also deeply involved in its creation from start to finish. The process was an inspiring blend of artistry, technology, and authentic expression, showcasing how even the youngest students can innovate.

The journey began with two simple yet profound questions: What is a song? Can I create one? These guiding questions launched the children into an exploration of the performing arts, where they encountered a variety of music styles and sounds. To ignite their creativity, they engaged in hands-on activities like coloring while listening to pieces such as “Flight of the Bumblebee” and “Canon in D“. Through these exercises, the children interpreted the tempo and tone of different compositions, experiencing firsthand how music influences emotions.

Building on this, they explored how lyrics and melodies evoke feelings, reflecting on their own emotions and what Mount Vernon means to them. Their thoughts and experiences were translated into drawings and shared as “lyrics” in the music room. However, the most exciting part came next—integrating technology to amplify their voices.

Using artificial intelligence, the students’ words were transformed into a cohesive song about life at Mount Vernon. An AI platform arranged their lyrics into verses and a chorus, while another tool composed the music to accompany their heartfelt words. The result was “Welcome to Our School,” a song that captures the essence of love, peace, and community that the preschoolers experience daily.

The chapel debut was nothing short of magical. As the children heard their words come to life in song, their excitement filled the room—especially when the phrase “shooting stars” echoed through the space. Joyfully swaying to the melody, they embodied the spirit of collaboration and creativity that had shaped the project. Ericka Shannon, who led the initiative, reflected on the experience: “Seeing our youngest students use AI to express themselves and share their voices was remarkable. It’s a powerful reminder that creativity and technology can work hand-in-hand, even for preschoolers.”

Beyond the applause, this project sparked meaningful discussions about the role of AI in education. It highlighted the potential for using technology to help even the youngest learners express themselves in innovative and authentic ways. By giving voice to their ideas, the project showcased how AI can be a powerful tool for creativity in the classroom.

Looking ahead, Ericka and the team plan to carry this theme forward throughout the school year, with a music video in the works to help the entire Mount Vernon community learn and sing along. The goal is clear: at Mount Vernon, everyone is an artist, and creativity knows no age limit.

Recording: Listen to “Welcome to Our School” and sing along with our preschoolers. Join us in celebrating the joy, love, and shining stars of Mount Vernon!