“Thank you, Mr. Dave!”
Students from P.S. 133 in Brooklyn expressed to Mr. Dave what music meant to them this year.
Teaching Artist Dave Adewumi has been busy wrapping up a first round of music residencies around the city based on his course, "Jazz and the World of Black American Music." He has supplemented his captivating video lessons by teaching live sessions each week to all second through fifth graders at P.S. 133. This was a massive undertaking! "Jazz and the World of Black American Music" has already reached almost 4,000 students at 21 New York City public schools.
Dave has organized his course around the concept of "telling their story." "Tell your story is a common way that jazz musicians encourage each other to play their hearts out. My mission for the class," says Dave, "is to speak about the lives of jazz musicians while also examining the Black American experience."
These young musicians at P.S. 133 wrote heartfelt thank you cards. Here are a few favorites:
Video of the Week
Dave is one of three incredibly talented SCS teaching artists featured in this video collage.
If you skip ahead to 2:41, you'll find Dave teaching the structure of a Blues song. Students really got it! Here are the delightful and original compositions of two young Blues writers:
"I got 4 holes in my roof, and there’s one thing I know: This is going to cost me a whole lot of dough. *snap* *snap* *snap*
I got 4 holes in my roof, and there’s one thing I know: This is going to cost me a whole lot of dough.
But when I fix these holes, I'm gonna do something else. I’m gonna put that money back. Bum dum bum! *Big snap* *Jazz hands*"
- 3rd grader from P.S. 125 in Harlem
"My pillow has a hole in it,
My pillow has a hole in it,
But when I sew up that hole, I’ll be happy again."
- 3rd grader from P.S. 125 in Harlem
Community Member Highlight
Our programs can only succeed with engaged and engaging partners. We’re so grateful for inspiring and committed teachers such as Lisa Angel.
Lisa shares:
"The second graders at P.S. 97 are loving 'Recorders without Borders!' All week they look forward to Fun Friday, and the opportunity to make music with the recorders so generously donated to our school.
For most this is their first time playing an instrument and they eagerly watch and rewatch the instructional videos throughout the week. One student told me she can’t believe she is making music- 'real music!'.
Everyone is also super excited about participating in a virtual concert come springtime. This program has been a magical additional to remote learning!"
Thank you for your ongoing commitment and support, Lisa!