Senegalese artist Diali Cissokho didn’t always want to play music.
“I told my daddy that I wanted to play soccer!” Diali (pronounced “Jelly”) explained to the fifth-graders at Virginia Cross Elementary in April. Diali went on to talk about his life growing up in Senegal, interspersed with singing songs in his native tongue, and filling the room with serene sounds from the kora, Diali’s African harp.
When it was time for questions, students sat wide-eyed and grinning with their hands in the air, anxiously waiting to voice their curiosity.
“Do you know any famous soccer players?” one student eagerly asked.
“Yes! My nephew plays for the Senegalese world soccer team!” Diali responded.
Ooh and aahs of excitement rushed through the crowd of students. Soccer is a big deal to these students – many of them wish to become professional soccer players themselves, making sure to tell Diali so.
Students and teachers flocked to Diali when the introductory performance was over, chatting about their excitement for learning with soccer-and-music-loving Diali during the week.
Learning Music + Life Lessons
“I am definitely going to play the drums, too!” said one smiling fifth-grade teacher as the class entered their first workshop.
And it’s more than just playing drums – Diali’s there to inspire. Adorned in colorful clothes, chunky jewelry, and surrounded by 28 hand-carved drums, Diali commands attention in the classroom.
“I show you respect, and you show me respect,” he began.
“Can he come to our classroom every day?” one teacher joked after seeing how responsive the kids were to his direct instruction.
And yet Diali’s mission extends beyond his drumming instruction – he imparts vital life lessons to fifth-graders in his workshops.
By showing how to place a drum between each student’s knees, he initiates lessons on responsibility — the gentle care and proper handling of their instruments.
Next, they begin call-and-response drumming, echoing thunderous beats that resonate in the chests of the emerging drummers and fill the room with energy.
This exercise transitions into the importance of balance, both in music and life, as Diali guides students to listen and harmonize with one another.
Diali also encourages students to be confident in their presence in the world–urging every participant to get up and dance in front of their peers.
He teaches them traditional Senegalese moves, making sure each student grasps the choreography.
“Diali’s instruction allowed my students to feel connected and empowered. Some of my students who struggle academically were able to thrive in their sense of rhythm and feel that success. Diali’s high expectations made his praise all the more meaningful to my students, and they all tried their best to impress him and do their best to listen and work as a group,” shared fifth-grade teacher Ms. Hitmar.
The Final Lesson
By performance day, students master the art of synchronization, a testament to their newfound skills in cooperation and listening. Each class has time up on stage to showcase their newly learned drumming and dancing.
Diali’s final lesson emphasizes the power of encouragement and support, as he leads by example with wild applause for every performer.
Diali sometimes joining them up on stage, fostering an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie.
And the fifth-grade teachers weren’t at all shy in showing their own dance skills on stage!
Cheers and hollers of encouragement exploded in the room after each set of dancers showed their moves.
“The drumming program helped my students grow in their confidence. I could see them blossom as they learned a new skill and became willing to be vulnerable while making mistakes or dancing,” said fifth-grade teacher, Ms. Baker.
When the collaborative performance ended, students again flocked to Diali, but this time they were expressing their heartfelt appreciation with thanks and hugs. Several asked him to sign papers, hats, and – most importantly – their soccer balls!
“I am definitely [Diali’s] biggest fan! This week was amazing!” one student gushed.
The residency at Virginia Cross Elementary School was sponsored by Preserve the Arts. This residency is part of the Chatham Arts Council’s Artists-in-Schools Initiative.
Arts for Resilient Kids programming is made possible by partnerships with Chatham County Schools, Chatham County, the North Carolina Arts Council, and many individual, foundation, and business donors. If you feel inspired to help us educate kids through the arts, click here to donate.
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