Every Friday the Waldorf School of Garden City High School gathers in the student room for the weekly Student Assembly that consists of (1) an extended speech by a senior on a topic of particular interest to them, and (2) the recitation of a poem, (either existing or original) by a junior. The Senior Speeches and Junior Poems are a rite of passage for Waldorf students and are a required part of the high school curriculum.

Friday, February 3rd 2017

Senior Speech

Last Friday Senior Eric Mundy took the Stage in Bonner Hall and in a lively and colorful manner, delivered his speech about how he is able to communicate most effectively through music.  He explained that as a drummer he is able to express himself in a more powerful, profound, and authentic way than he can with simple words or behaviors. Furthermore, when Eric plays music he literally sees a painting form before his eyes.

The “painting” that he experiences is called, Chromesthesia or sound-to-color synesthesia. For Eric, this phenomenon of crossed perceptions results in an involuntary reaction to music where he experiences colors that correspond to the sounds. These experiences combine with his musical talents to make the act of playing the drums a near transcendent experience for him, one he was more than happy to share with his audience.

Eric closed his speech with a 5 minute solo jam session that captivated his listeners. You can see it below. We thank Eric for sharing this very personal side of himself and wish him the very best of luck with his future endeavors!

Junior Poems

Juniors Marisa Cheng, Sean Sullivan, and Isaac Stume all recited poems.

Ring Out , Wild Bells – Poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson – Recited by Marisa Cheng

Human Family – Poem by Maya Angelou – Read by Sean Sullivan

Casey At The Bat – Poem by Ernest Lawrence Thayer -Recited by Isaac Stumme