Q: What is the purpose of the curriculum?
A: Academically speaking, Echoes of our Ancestors is an ingenious synthesis of what may normally appear to be polarized disciplines: performing arts (music/dance) and history/sociology. Students will have a heightened awareness of how society shapes culture and the arts.
Q: The students at my school are neither African- American nor of the African Diaspora. How will this become relevant to their experiences?
A: Echoes of our Ancestors is, in fact, black history through music—emphasizing that black history in the United States is American history.
Q: What, specifically, will my students remember after a workshop or concert?
A: Students will:
- Learn songs of hope, liberation, and motivation.
- Become active listeners, and supporters of musical genres in need of reinforcement and preservation.
Q: As program facilitator, what is the methodology?
A: Echoes of our Ancestors is a performance and media-driven learning experience. While its syllabus contains valuable reference books and articles, encouraging independent research, learning will occur through the utilization of:
- Recordings
- Films
- Performance workshops
- Recitals
Students will also attend concerts and participate in field trips.
Q: Must students be musically inclined or performance-driven to participate or succeed in the program?
A: No! Students with no prior musical training or experience, including those without performance aspirations, will benefit tremendously from the class, and must be included in the program. While enrolling in an Echoes of our Ancestors class will undoubtedly sharpen performance skills, be aware that:
Q: Social Studies is a mainstay, with American History already a part of the curriculum. We also have a music program. Why do we need to include this?
A: Echoes of our Ancestors is not a duplication of traditional social studies or music programs. Nor should it be used to replace, or usurp the power of an existing curriculum. It will, however, enhance and reinforce fundamental music and social studies programs. It is a historical and intellectual approach to music and dance.
