Enfield Middle STEAM Academy used jazz as a learning tool with John Brown & The Little Big Band.

The two-hour interactive music workshop included a demonstration of band instruments, mini-lessons on the arrangement of jazz pieces played, introduction of jazz artists, and questions from the campus and online audiences.  

“This was an awesome learning opportunity for our students and school community,” said Medicus Riddick, newly named principal of EMSA. 

Clapping his hands and moving his feet, the Superintendent Eric Cunningham said, “You know, jazz is much like a language. A single melody stretches over the entire song — and from it, you connect with the emotion conveyed.” 

In addition to the Morning Jazz event, John Brown and The Little Big Band enjoyed a culminating lunch under the big tent with the superintendent, administrative staff, and invited guests. 

There, the superintendent shared his vision for furthering the arts in Halifax County Schools with an emphasis on the district’s COVID-19 Report Card accomplishments. 

He acknowledged the importance of the North Carolina Arts Council partnership in low-wealth districts. “The artist in residency partnership sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council has had a positive impact on our students’ social-emotional wellbeing,” said Assistant Superintendent Tyrana Battle. 

John Brown & The Little Big Band are from Durham.