Sixth-grader Jeremy Browe helps to fill the Kendall Elementary auditorium with the melodic sounds of steel drums. Provided photoKendall Elementary School students and staff were transported to the Caribbean through music for a week during March. “Sounds of the Caribbean” is one of many residencies and programs available through Project ADEPT, part of Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES.
Ted Canning, a music professional with a background in West African percussion, Afro-Caribbean percussion, and Trinidadian Steel Drum, led the residency. Canning helped students to understand that socio-political situations in the world can be the catalyst for major change – in this instance, the evolution from hand drumming to precision instruments.
Twenty-three students were under the direction of Ted Canning during the Project ADEPT week-long residency “Sounds of the Caribbean.” Provided photoIn classroom sessions, all students learned basic chords and how to play the steel drums. A target group of students was also selected for in-depth drum study throughout the week. To end the week in style, the target group and Canning performed two Caribbean concerts for their peers.
