Hicksville Public Schools: Students Celebrate African American Jazz Greats

Hicksville NY

08 March, 2022

1:06 PM

Description

Press release from Hicksville Public Schools: 03/07/2022 Translate Members of Hicksville High School's Rho Kappa chapter of the National Social Studies Honor Society created a unique exhibit to remember famous African American jazz artists for Black History month.  The students created descriptive posters about each artist accompanied with a QR code linking to the artist's music.  The exhibit has been strategically placed in a bustling hallway giving students something to read as well as inviting them to scan the QR code linking them directly to songs performed by the artists. Notable musicians on display include Louis Armstrong, Jon Batiste, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, and Esperanza Spalding.  The students learned about the contributions of Louis Armstrong, a native of Queens, New York, and the haunting and bittersweet words of Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit." Some students recognized Jon Batiste, one of the composers to the animated film Soul. Students can listen to American bassist Esperanza Spalding, who is one of the youngest jazz musicians to gain international fame.  Social studies teacher Kathleen Farrell and Rho Kappa advisor shared, "The students felt the QR code was a great way to introduce the music of the jazz greats in an intriguing interactive way!"  The mission of the Rho Kappa chapter of the National Social Studies Honor Society is to encourage an interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for the social studies.   Hicksville High School Rho Kappa advisor Ms. Heather Stavrinadis, Rho Kappa secretary Ashish Sharma, Rho Kappa president Matthew Rakhar, Rho Kappa vice president Timson Lai, Rho Kappa treasurer Gurmehar Kaur, and Rho Kappa advisor Ms. Kathleen Farrell. Hicksville High School Student members of the Rho Kappa chapter board. Safety Committee Virtual Meeting In-Person Attendance for Committee Members and Invited Guests Click below for the livestream link and agenda information.  This press release was produced by Hicksville Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.