Multicultural News Jazz Rucker, Multicultural Chair We Tell the Story
“A tree that sprang up and cracked the walls of the hotel Beauxhomme So that its gates could never close again
A tree that lived forever sheltering peasant and grand homme alike (...)
There is an island where the rivers run deep Where the seas sparkling in the sun Earns it the name Jewel of the Antilles An island where the poorest of peasants live And the wealthiest of grand homme play And on this island we tell the story
In “Once on this Island” the protagonist , Ti Moune, dies and her spirit is sprung up as a tree. As it grew the tree broke down the barriers of the mystical island and now “the poorest of peasants live and the wealthiest of grand homme play.” Music has that same unification, to “sprang up.”
Music gives us permission to connect one human spirit to another. It opens the door for conversation and speaks to how the pains of the world can be healed. Music allows us to dive into the intentions and interpretations of an artist. Music calls for us to pause... and express our innermost sentiments. It awakens our memories and connects past and even foreign experiences. Providing a quality educational experience has the potential to create a craving in students. When the gates are open, lifelong learners of music are created.
So how is this done? Harry Cecil of Mineral Area College suggests four directives for a more democratic approach: relationships, cultural awareness, humility and flexibility and student-driven instruction. (Cecil, 2017)
Relationships Building relationships with students is imperative. Create authentic relationships. Be genuine. Share. Genuine relationships can be built by casting aside our assumptions. Begin to inquire and seek understanding first. This will open up the possibility of connecting to students in an authentic way. Consider what to share about your own life. What experiences, values and passions are relevant to the teaching and learning environment?
Cultural Awareness Take an active approach in knowing what is commonplace in the lives of students. It can create a deeper, more intentional connection. What are they listening to? What music is flowing through the students’ earbuds? What page is the hymnal open to on their piano? And after discovering this insight, utilize the information to make deeper connections to what occupies their mind and inspires them musically.
Humility and Flexibility Content area specialists often fall victim to being the expert in the room. It is more than ok to not know. It is acceptable to ask and lean on the strengths of students. Cecil again calls for us to create an environment
See RUCKER, p. 52 30 MISSOURI SCHOOL MUSIC | Volume 71, Number 3
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