Learn about Dave Adewumi’s ten-week video series
We are committed to keeping music in the lives of NYC public school children, no matter how learning takes place this fall. In light of the incredible budget cuts faced by our school partners, our board of directors and individual funders are stepping up, helping us to produce several ten-week video series that can be provided free to schools and used in classrooms or at home during remote learning.
We are excited to share with you the details of the course that Teaching Artist Dave Adewumi is producing. Dave will lead 2nd-5th graders in exploring Jazz and Black American Music and its impact on American society. Dave will focus on listening, playing, and historical perspectives. Starting with Jazz roots and journeying through the Blues, Ragtime, New Orleans Jazz, Bebop, to the Avant Garde, students will sing, learn body percussion, and make their own instruments.
Like all of our dedicated Teaching Artists, Dave pivoted on a dime from classroom to remote teaching last March, learning a tremendous amount along the way:
"With every video lesson I make, I think about how much work these students put into the music and the smiles that lingered on everyone's faces as I left the room that last day I was in the classroom. I have been very fortunate to have the most amazing students a person could ever ask for; they are attentive, engaged, and loving. In the back of my mind, I remember that music class could be the only time in the day they get to express themselves creatively. Perhaps these will be the moments that they look back to for the rest of their lives."
"Music and the arts are so vital to the human experience; if we don’t continue to share them, we will lose part of our humanity.
Video of the Week
Watch a snippet of a video lesson taught by Dave Adewumi from this past spring. We look forward to seeing his new video series!
Community Member Highlight
Speaking of Jazz … Board Member Tony Elitcher showed off his baritone saxophone chops recently, joining our Teaching Artists in a virtual performance of "My Little Suede Shoes."
Tony shares why he values the work S'Cool Sounds does, "I grew up attending public schools in a district that provided me with nearly unlimited music education opportunities and resources. S'Cool Sounds fills the current void for kids who otherwise might have no music-making opportunities."
Thank you, Tony, for your hard work, dedication, AND music-making!
Click here for a link to the video of "My Little Suede Shoes"