Our Classroom Without Walls initiative was highlighted  last week, with a visit and musical performances from Jayme Stone's Folklife. This musical group takes old songs and "remakes them for modern ears," while still honoring the history of North American music. The group features banjoist and composter Jayme Stone, singer Moira Smiley, Grammy-winning songster Dom Flemons, cornetist Ron Miles, singer Felicity Williams, and more.

Referred to as "The Yo-Yo Ma of the banjo," Jayme Stone and his group first held a parade in our Kimak building for our ECE students, singing folk songs and impressing students with their unique instruments. They also held a concert for all students in Grades 1-8 in the afternoon, playing a variety of folk songs, including many from the 1800s. They concluded their visit with an evening family concert.

These performances were generously presented with funds from Developing Balanced Learners, this year's community giving campaign, which includes support for Classrooms Without Walls. "Within Classrooms Without Walls, it is our hope we provide opportunities for learning beyond the classroom experience or international travels. Through visits from authors, musicians, scientists, and many other knowledgable sources we can extend our student's knowledge base, and help them apply their understanding to real world situations," said Kyra Gailis, Deputy Head of School and Director of Learning. For example, our students learned that the National Library in Congress has multitudes of recordings from notable musicians and singers throughout history, and the group also performed songs passed down from generation to generation, and are still a vital part of United States History and culture.

Thank you to Jayme Stone's Folklife for visiting us and teaching our community about this unique and historical music!

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