A group of band students from PutnamMiddle School band students were recently selected to participate in the Joining Music and Artists in the Schools (JAMS) Signature Project of the Birmingham Chapter of The Links Inc.The signature project is designed to promote student interest and broaden exposure to the many genres of music and related arts programs.

Putnam band students with the Harlem String Quartet

 

The Harlem String Quartet offered a myriad of African-American and Latino music selections during its performance at the Alys Stephens Center.  The one-hour informal performance allowed students to ask questions and learn about the musicians' educational and artistic training, instruments of choice, life working as music professionals and musical style.

 

"I enjoyed watching them perform so professionally one minute then talk with us and answer our questions like we were their friends the next," said student Michael Lewis.

 

Noah Logan said, "Although I will stick with the drums, the performers were great and played songs I did not know could be played with violins."

 

The JAMS students also attended "Reflect and Rejoice: A Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr." concert through the Alys Stephens Meet The Artist series, where they were afforded the opportunity to meet symphony Conductor Roderick Cox and renowned composer Henry Panion.  The students were excited to see such a young man serving as conductor of the orchestra and were surprised when Panion discussed his love of all music, including some selections of rap.

 

Sparks used an energetic, charismatic and entertaining delivery method to capture the student's attention quickly. He was encouraged the students to do "good" until their "good" becomes "better" and their "better" becomes their "best."

 

Using language they could understand, he spoke to the kings and queens inside of each of them. He encouraged the students to see the best in themselves and to pursue greatness. When he asked the students if they enjoyed the program, they responded with a resounding yes.

  

The staff from the Glen Iris Elementary School cafeteria has begun some very special training. Last

Glen Iris workers in the Jones Valley Teaching Farm garden

week, Chef Rob McDaniel from the Springhouse Restaurant at Lake Martin started working with the staff.

 

"Iron Chef" fans might remember McDaniel from his appearance on the show with Chef Chris Hastings from Hot and Hot Fish Club. They won the challenge.

 

McDaniel will work with the Glen Iris staff to create recipes that still have a great taste appeal made from fresh and healthy ingredients.  The staff spent Monday at Jones Valley Teaching Farm with the chef working with product right from the garden.

 

This endeavor is a component of Glen Iris' partnership with Jones Valley as the pilot Good School Food school.

  

  

After greetings from Charles Crockrum, Miles' director of alumni affairs, and Superintendent Craig Witherspoon, the secretaries and other office workers were broken into four groups.

  

  

Carver High School teacher Wyatt Smith's efforts to teach students Mandarin Chinese and raise money so that students can study in China this summer are getting national attention.

  

 

Many BCS students are performing in the 17th annual black history concert of the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church Youth Ministry for Christian Dance. The theme is "The Alabama Movement."

  

  

  

The Birmingham Board of Education will have a special called meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the auditorium of the Administration Building, 2015 Park Place. Click here to see the agenda for that meeting. A regularly scheduled work session will begin as soon as the called meeting concludes.