On Monday, a dozen 6th-8th graders from Christopher Columbus Charter School in South Philadelphia took the stage at our partner venue World Cafe Live during our "Language of Rhythm" Bridge Session.
They put an exclamation point on the session with their performance of an Afro-Brazilian rhythm called
samba reggae. It was the culmination of a six-month Percussion Workshop brainstormed in partnership with Settlement Music School and led by LiveConnections teaching artists Alex Shaw and Josh Robinson. Students worked weekly to learn Latin and Afro-Brazilian rhythms, create their own rhythm poems and develop the connection and collaboration necessary to play as an ensemble.
Their teacher told us that
this group came from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. They weren't an ensemble when they began. What did they learn along the way? "Listening." "You have to make eye contact." "You can learn anything."
How did they feel when they finished? "It feels great and
feels smart." "It feels like
I can express myself." "It feels like
I have the power."
Donate today and help us return to work with these kids next year. Let's give kids the power to learn and express themselves!
P.S. Have a great weekend! We'll be back on Monday for the final 3 days of this important campaign - including more stories and photos about our work with kids.