K-12 School Guest Concerts and Residencies

The comments of Annie Bruce, Safe Place Coordinator and Jeffrey Brewster, Head Librarian, the International School of Brussels, capture the effectiveness and spirit Lea Gilmore projects when she works with children and faculty in a K-12 setting. Detailed descriptions of school concerts and residencies follow the International School of Brussels evaluation.

Lea Gilmore’s visit to The International School of Brussels was a whirlwind of energy, expertise and fresh air. She held assemblies of Middle School, High School, Elementary School and Early Childhood students, all of whom were absolutely, joyfully spellbound by her sense of humor, her rhythm and her powerful, expressive voice. Everywhere she went on campus during her week-long stay, she was greeted like a superstar. Kids whispered shyly, “Hi, Lea,” and asked for her autograph. Others shouted across the hallway, “You’re fantastic, Lea!”

On stage her dynamic performances included story-telling based on the Black American experience with gospel and blues entwined exquisitely. Off-stage, Lea visited classrooms throughout the school, sharing her songs and stories. She adapted her presentations to suit the age of the children: from working on a re-enactment of ‘The Clearing’ scene from Toni Morrison’s Beloved with a High School English class to stomping, clapping and part-singing with a group of First Graders.

All were touched by Lea’s warmth and the ease with which she was able to connect with people of all ages. She brought an awareness of Black American history through sharing her hopes and fears and a part of herself. As she listened to the voices of our students, she raised our awareness of what it means to be part of the human family. She prepared meticulously for each class in advance, and was flexible and adaptable. She understood students and teachers alike. Her academic background in political and social science and history enabled her to take the students forward in their understanding of history and issues in literature. Her visit was described as inspirational by many. She transformed our days and uplifted our spirits while she was here at The International School of Brussels. Her impact on our school was tremendous.

One Day, Two-Three Day Visits and One Week Residency

Objectives

To introduce students and faculty to African American history, music and culture. Areas include the hidden messages of the slave songs (Spirituals) during the Underground Railroad; the influence of music and song during the Civil Rights Movement; the birth of blues and jazz; the roots of Hip Hop (Rap) in the folk tradition of “Hand-bone” and much more.
To build personal confidence by having students actively participate by joining Lea in singing in the classroom and/or on stage
To inspire students to embrace equality, tolerance and human rights by weaving these themes throughout the presentation
Lots of fun through raising one’s voice and singing.

One Day Visit

Lea would present two full concerts --. 45 - 60 minutes for the elementary school in the morning, and 60 - 90 minutes for the middle and high schools in the afternoon. It is also possible to present three concerts for each upper, middle and high school level (two morning and one afternoon). Lea adapts her presentation for the various age groups, and attention spans. She can also meet with choir/music/interested students after school or during the day if possible, as well as visit classrooms if time permits.

Two - Three Day Visit

Lea focuses on elementary school for one day, and middle & high for the next; or if three days, one school for each day. She starts with a morning presentation, and then moves into visiting classrooms. Before her visit, she will connect with teachers, via email, to discuss relevant topics she could "bring to life" in general or as a part of their current curriculum (for example, she has lectured on "Beloved," " I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," when high school students were studying, and "To Kill A Mockingbird") She often works with the faculty to develop a theme for the days she visits - such as: "Celebrating Our Common Ground," "Who are Your Heroes?", "Diversity Rocks," or "Celebrating Black American History." She would also work with the choir, and/or interested students learning Spirituals, African, and African American folk songs and rhythms.

One Week Residency (4 - 5 days)

Similar to a two-three day visit, but maximizes opportunities for Lea to work with students and faculty. At the end of the week, she usually presents an evening concert for parents and friends that includes the students’ singing/performing/speaking on what they have learned during the week.

Power Point and Brochure

There is an option to include a power point presentation providing graphic support for the a lecture/concert. All teachers will receive a brochure (which can be given to students as well), with a brief overview of pivotal moments in African American history and music, and how these highlights impact our lives today. A time-line of events will be included. It is the responsibility of the host school to produce the brochure from an e-file.

Designed & Managed by Peter Chan