West Orange Schools Use Music To Stay Connected In Coronavirus

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Think of it as a super-long talent show, West Orange.

Like others throughout the state, students and teachers in the township have been trapped at home for the past week due to the coronavirus. To help themselves adjust to the new reality of “e-learning,” many have been reaching out to others online with artistic performances to spread some joy in a dark time.

READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

For example, the West Orange High School Physical Education Department recently came together for an epic, online dance battle.

Meanwhile, musicians have included Jordan Scott Young, a junior at West Orange High School who offered a powerful reminder to stay positive in a time of crisis.

Riley Hahn, a freshman at West Orange High School, strummed a stirring cover of John Lennon’s “Imagine.”

Teachers have also pitched in to the effort. William Farley, the music/choir teacher and boys step coach at West Orange High School, got together with a trio of his equally talented family members to take on the #TylerPerrySongChallenge.

Tonio Favetta, an English teacher at West Orange High School, offered his tongue-in-cheek rendition of the “Coronavirus Blues.”

And Redwood Elementary MCI teacher Eileen Lambert gave a bit of “Monday Motivation” with a video set to Alicia Keys' "Underdog."

Want to add your own voice to the chorus? The West Orange Public Library is hosting a “Virtual Open Mic Night” for grades 5-12 on Wednesday, April 1 via Zoom.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.