Behind the Scenes with SCS Teaching Artists
Last week, 24 S’Cool Sounds Teaching Artists (SCS TAs) and staff came together for a one-day training event to share areas of expertise and support one another as they prepare for the school year. We shared a meal and celebrated the many talents each SCS TA brings to NYC students. Every song, lesson, and activity exchanged among Teaching Artists strengthens the collective knowledge they bring into classrooms, extending the reach of SCS music education to thousands of students and teachers.
The day kicked off with two mini workshops by SCS TAs Mir Naqibul Islam and Linda EPO. Mir presented several memorable South Asian grooves and taught the group how to use hand gestures for keeping time. Linda EPO engaged participants in rhythms of the African diaspora, demonstrating examples from the Caribbean to modern popular music. The space was filled with joyful movement and camaraderie.
Emily Asher offered the group “Tips and Tricks for Early Childhood Engagement.” With catchy songs and colorful scarves, she showed us how to combine music with imagination to build community and establish musical routines in K-1 classrooms. It was great insight into the wonderful ways that music creates positive connections.
SCS TA and Board Member Dave Adewumi and Digital Consultant JoDee Scissors delivered a training on classroom behavior management. Together, they showed strategies for maintaining lesson momentum, capturing students’ attention, and using music to establish classroom routines. Dave modeled many of his go-to call-and-response phrases and offered practical tips for fostering positive rapport with schools and teachers. JoDee closed the day with an introduction to culturally responsive teaching practices, focusing on community and connection, relationship building, and helping students recognize their ability to grow as musicians and learners.
SCS Teaching Artists bring a diverse range of talents and strengths to their work. Together, they share skills, ideas, and experiences that expand their practice and bring richer, more creative learning experiences to students.
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Check out the Dadra Tal grooves that Mir Naqibul Islam taught SCS TAs, introducing hand gestures for keeping time.