The Student Introduction Song is an exciting and vibrant welcome number from the new musical production, In America, which artfully captures a series of touching stories from a class of immigrant students studying ESL (English as a Second Language) as they introduce themselves to their new teacher. This delightful tour de force highlights the students’ myriad experiences in coming to the United States, while introducing the classroom as a safe haven for newcomers to come and learn about their new language and culture with others in the same predicament in peace and harmony without threat of fear or intimidation.
As the back-to-school song begins, the enthusiastic new ESL teacher, Mr. Johnson, is trying to learn more about his students in order to develop classroom materials relevant to their respective cultures, needs, and goals. To prompt a response, Mr. Johnson shares a bit about his own background with the students but to no avail. One beautiful young student from China, Mei Li, touched by his plight, reassures Mr. Johnson that she and her classmates would be happy to share their stories with him, which leads to an upbeat, lively classroom introduction musical number entitled simply, Student Introduction Song. Throughout the number, the students’ fears, struggles, and hopes regarding their new home are revealed.
An icebreaker song of international proportions, the Student Introduction Song features a robust blend of sounds and stories, each representing the students’ widespread cultures. The Latin students, Rico, Rosetta, Jose, and Enrique add a spirited energy to their song, with sharp worded verses supported by alluring dance moves. They are followed by students from the former USSR, Lavonna from Ukraine, and Vladimir from Romania, who express their deep gratitude to their newfound country which has given them freedom and democracy by performing a short, gentle waltz.
Waiting in the wings, Vietnamese American student, Nguyen Tran, son of GI Joe, wails an Elvis-inspired version of his life story. His song brings a lighthearted moment to the occasion as he represents the challenges of young immigrants trying to adjust to their new culture while at the same time remaining true to their homeland’s roots.
Despite their struggles as immigrants, the students are keenly aware that the most easily attainable keys to a successful life in America lie in the classroom. Despite busy work schedules, as most adult ESL students have at least one job, they have chosen to improve their lives through education. The new semester has begun. No longer are they afraid.
