The Wise Owl Nation at 186th Street School was treated to an active learning experience with rhythmic dances and jungle drums afterschool on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Clarence "Chazz" Ross, esq., brought 27 African Djembe drums, 40 rhythmic instruments, and Teresa Smith, an energetic African dancer, to teach the beauty of self-expression through movement and student-created music.
The Wise Owl Nation at 186th Street School was treated to an active learning experience with rhythmic dances and jungle drums afterschool on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Clarence "Chazz" Ross, esq., brought 27 African Djembe drums, 40 rhythmic instruments, and Teresa Smith, an energetic African dancer, to teach the beauty of self-expression through movement and student-created music.
As the children composed their own music scores with different drum beats lead by Ross, Smith used the call and response method to teach the children how to move their bodies to a happy drum beat while singing African songs.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rhonda Mumphrey, our CSUDH administrative intern, and Byrd of Truth-Brary for the wonderful gift of history and beyond,” Principal Marcia Sidney-Reed said.
The Black History lesson was an interactive experience that shared a powerful message of freedom, which can be taught throughout the year. “Seeing the pre-kindergarten to 5th grade students sway to the beat, kick up their legs, swing their arms, spin freely, shake their bodies, and jump for joy, was a sincere showcase of children having fun with laughter and pure happiness,” Reed said.
Chazz took the children on a colorful safari through self-expression by creating a jungle soundtrack with the rhythms of the Djembe drums.
The 186th Street School is one of California’s Distinguished School. More information about the school can be accessed at www.186streetschool.com
