Senegalese artist and Chatham resident Diali Cissokho recently led a high energy and culturally rich arts residency with seventh-graders at George Moses Horton Middle School.
With the addition of George Moses Horton Middle School, the Chatham Artists-in-Schools Initiative expanded its reach to all Chatham County Schools elementary, K-8, and traditional middle schools this school year!
~Part 1: Intro Performance~
On the first day, seventh-graders were introduced to Diali and his West African music. Diali played and sang original songs with his kora and talked about his life back in Senegal.
Christene Vaughan, George Moses Horton’s music teacher and Diali’s real life Chatham neighbor, joined Diali on stage–he challenged her to remember a drum pattern he taught her many years ago.
She executed it flawlessly to the applause of all the students in attendance.
“[Diali’s performance showed] great encouragement and challenged the students to be the best versions of themselves, ignore the color of skin, and treat everyone with respect.” –George Moses Horton teacher
Several students joined in to drum alongside Diali on stage to get a taste of what the week of learning would bring.
The introductory performance concluded with a large group of students volunteering to go up and dance alongside Diali.
“I liked how it made me feel.” –George Moses Horton Middle seventh-grader
~Part 2: Student Workshops~
All the seventh-graders worked with Diali during the week to learn how to play African call-and-response rhythms on djembe drums. They also learned several traditional West African dance moves.
Diali’s firm and supportive teaching style got an immediate response from students.
Students sat up straight, modeled and showed their learning, and accepted feedback with grace. They were determined to drum together as a team.
“Most of our children with behavioral issues seemed to gravitate to this program and truly switched their attitudes. They are very engaged and following the rules of the class.” –George Moses Horton teacher
Diali worked with certain students one-on-one to ensure every student could be successful.
“I liked we were learning something I have never experienced before in my life.” –George Moses Horton seventh-grader
Diali reminded each class to “play like you are happy” and encouraged students to take the chance to learn this new skill.
“Something I liked was that Diali was encouraging.” –George Moses Horton seventh-grader
~Part 3: Student Performance~
The residency culminated with an energy-filled student dance and drumming performance for their families and peers.
By the performance day, students mastered the art of synchronization, a testament to their newfound skills in cooperation and listening.
“I would say [this residency] brought many of the kids together.” –George Moses Horton Middle School teacher
Each class had time up on stage to showcase their newly learned drumming and dancing.
“I saw kids be confident today during the performance that I have never seen come out of their shells! That to me, makes the entire week worth it.” –George Moses Horton teacher
Students made sure to communicate using their eyes and drums–no speaking!–to stay on beat.
“This performance is amazing! I can’t believe the kids all learned this in one week!” –George Moses Horton parent
Almost every student found the courage to get up in front of the audience to dance while their classmates drummed a beat.
Students chose to display the African dance moves they were taught, or whatever dances came to them in the moment!
“I was having a bad day but then I played these drums and now I’m better!” –George Moses Horton seventh-grader
When the collaborative performance ended, students and teachers expressed their heartfelt appreciation with thanks and hugs–and asked Diali for autographs! Many students had their clothes, hats, and socks signed by Diali to remember the experience.
“I will never forget this!” –George Moses Horton seventh-grader
The residency at George Moses Horton Middle School was sponsored by MOSAIC and Chatham Park. Chatham Park and MOSAIC are growing live-work-play-learn communities in Chatham County, and supporting the arts is essential. Art has a positive effect both socially and economically on a community and reaches across age, race, language, and socio-economic differences. When the Chatham Arts Council sought to expand its Artists-in-Schools Initiatives into Chatham County middle schools, Chatham Park and MOSAIC wanted to support that growth. 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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