I (Kelly) was invited by Beacon musician and world-class percussionist Jeff Haynes to the assembly performance for 9th and 10th graders at BHS.  Samite, a Ugandan musician and emissary for peace and understanding through music was the featured artist, along with Jeff and another musician that I didn't catch the name of.  The performance was an intoxicating blend of percussion, ancient African instruments, woodwinds, voice, visuals (photos taken by Samite himself I believe) and some high-tech recording techniques.

 

Samite founded Musicians for World Harmony and after being a refugee in Kenya and Nairobi, immigrated to the United States and currently lives in Ithaca.

 

The program was mesmerizing, on so many levels.  I can only hope that the teachers were able to use the performance for a jumping-off point for many curriculum areas: geography, history, world events, etc.  This is where someone who coordinates all of the arts-in-education at the District Level would be very, very valuable.  They could make sure that teachers have the information in advance, and can be flexible to take advantage of these kinds of priceless programs.  Much of the information that is disseminated during the assembly will be lost and forgotten, the knowledge dissipating as the students leave the auditorium and go back into their complicated lives.

 

One more observation - these kids need more experience in what it is like to be an audience member - starting at a young age.  I know that they were 14-15 years old, but the first 1/2 hour was pretty embarassing.  They eventually were just as mesmerized as I, plus they got a little lecture from one of the teachers.  It seemed to work, at least in the short term.  The boys on either side of me were great, and I think they really got into it.  I could practically hear their brains working, as they took in the double-whammy of powerful visuals underscored by exotic, soulful melodies and rhythms.