Third Graders Experience Cultures With Symphony Space

Third graders gained a deep appreciation for the dance and music of different cultures through an enrichment art program with Symphony Space from June 3-7. The students connected with two teaching artists through workshops and interactive performances to learn about folk dances of Mexico and music of Brazil.

“This experience builds on our social studies unit where students learn how cultures around the world are similar and different to themselves,” said Meghan Chiapperino, a third grade teacher and team leader. “Having these artists come in allows our students to experience this firsthand. We hope they gain a better appreciation of different cultures and traditions of others."

In one of the workshops, the students experienced the culture and history of Mexico through the disciplines of music and dance. Each group learned a dance from a different region in Mexico, including Chiapas, Chihuahua, Jalisco and Veracruz. They used maps, hats, skirts, masks and other props as teaching aids. In the other workshop, the third graders learned various rhythms and techniques to get as many varied sounds as possible from the drum. Then, they built polyrhythms through call and response, as well as varied rhythms to create a more complex score. The dynamic power of the drums reflects on the Rio de Janeiro carnival style of celebrating Brazilian heritage.

The experience served as a culminating activity to the third graders’ research unit. The students demonstrated what they learned during a final performance on June 7.

Third graders gained a deep appreciation for the dance and music of different cultures through an enrichment art program with Symphony Space from June 3-7. The students connected with two teaching artists through workshops and interactive performances to learn about folk dances of Mexico and music of Brazil.

“This experience builds on our social studies unit where students learn how cultures around the world are similar and different to themselves,” said Meghan Chiapperino, a third grade teacher and team leader. “Having these artists come in allows our students to experience this firsthand. We hope they gain a better appreciation of different cultures and traditions of others."

In one of the workshops, the students experienced the culture and history of Mexico through the disciplines of music and dance. Each group learned a dance from a different region in Mexico, including Chiapas, Chihuahua, Jalisco and Veracruz. They used maps, hats, skirts, masks and other props as teaching aids. In the other workshop, the third graders learned various rhythms and techniques to get as many varied sounds as possible from the drum. Then, they built polyrhythms through call and response, as well as varied rhythms to create a more complex score. The dynamic power of the drums reflects on the Rio de Janeiro carnival style of celebrating Brazilian heritage.

The experience served as a culminating activity to the third graders’ research unit. The students demonstrated what they learned during a final performance on June 7.