Whether it’s modern hip hop, pop music or rhythm and blues, the history of Black music in America is rich. “Specifically, the blues, work songs, spirituals, early jazz, classic jazz, soul,” said music instructor Dr. Isidore Rudnick. Now, thanks to the Black Music of America program, Cincinnati Public School students are learning in-depth about that music history. “They don’t know about these incredibly talented Black artists who changed the face of popular music, not just in this country but around the world,” said Rudnick.The program for fourth graders was implemented at 20 CPS schools that didn’t have a bands or strings program.Professional musicians, like local artist Josh Strange, are brought in to help the kids link the history of Black music in America to present pop culture. “So just kind of showing them how music is just like a language and it’s constantly evolving, and it has a history, and you have to know the history to appreciate it,” said Strange.It’s a lesson the students have come to look forward to. “It’s important because once in a lifetime, you’ll learn how to do other things, like sing other songs and play other instruments and see other instruments, experience other instruments,” said Pleasant Hill Academy fourth grader Yaniah Rice. of people that may have a talent that they can’t show because it’s not a lot of opportunities for them to show it. I feel like it could open more doors for people,” said Pleasant Hill Academy sixth grader Aden Williams.The Black Music of America program will go throughout the school year. As part of the program, schools received a generous donation of instruments to their schools for kids to practice their musical skills.
Whether it’s modern hip hop, pop music or rhythm and blues, the history of Black music in America is rich.
“Specifically, the blues, work songs, spirituals, early jazz, classic jazz, soul,” said music instructor Dr. Isidore Rudnick.
Now, thanks to the Black Music of America program, Cincinnati Public School students are learning in-depth about that music history.
“They don’t know about these incredibly talented Black artists who changed the face of popular music, not just in this country but around the world,” said Rudnick.
The program for fourth graders was implemented at 20 CPS schools that didn’t have a bands or strings program.
Professional musicians, like local artist Josh Strange, are brought in to help the kids link the history of Black music in America to present pop culture.
“So just kind of showing them how music is just like a language and it’s constantly evolving, and it has a history, and you have to know the history to appreciate it,” said Strange.
It’s a lesson the students have come to look forward to.
“It’s important because once in a lifetime, you’ll learn how to do other things, like sing other songs and play other instruments and see other instruments, experience other instruments,” said Pleasant Hill Academy fourth grader Yaniah Rice.
“It’s a lot of people that may have a talent that they can’t show because it’s not a lot of opportunities for them to show it. I feel like it could open more doors for people,” said Pleasant Hill Academy sixth grader Aden Williams .
The Black Music of America program will go throughout the school year.
As part of the program, schools received a generous donation of instruments to their schools for kids to practice their musical skills.
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