A Season of Learning and Celebration
This season, in partnership with NYC Public Schools Arts Office, S’Cool Sounds (SCS) welcomed nearly 150 educators from across New York City for professional development workshops exploring new repertoire, cultural traditions, and teaching strategies.
SCS Teaching Artist Berta Moreno led Queens of Sound: Trailblazing Women in Music. Using classroom-ready techniques and resources, she demonstrated ways educators can help students discover the influential contributions of women whose artistry continues to shape music today.
One attendee was inspired by the approach: “The structure of Berta’s lesson on introducing artists with a story to connect with the younger students up front—SUPER effective!”
SCS Teaching Artist Linda EPO led Carnival Traditions Across the Caribbean, engaging attendees in call-and-response singing, percussion, and dance inspired by Carnival/Carnaval celebrations throughout the Caribbean diaspora. Through these interactive activities, participants explored how music is a gateway to cultural understanding, community, identity, and storytelling.
Last week, educators from Queens public schools gathered for Queens Music Teacher Day, a festive celebration hosted by the NYC Public Schools Arts Office in recognition of their impact. Teachers enjoyed live music performed by SCS Teaching Artists and connected through conversations about their year spent inspiring students.SCS continues to provide new opportunities and resources—including our free online Learning Resources site—that support teachers and students as part of our community-through-music mission.
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VIDEO HIGHLIGHT
Watch a short clip of “Chan Chan” from Queens Music Teacher Day featuring a one-of-a-kind ensemble of SCS Teaching ArtistsBerta Moreno (tenor saxophone), Linda EPO (vocals and claves), Kenneth Jiménez (guitar), Daniel Prim (percussion), and Isaac Levien (bass guitar). This special performance reflects the SCS mission of bringing people together through joyful music-making, cultural appreciation, and shared experiences.