More than 200 students at all three North Shore District 112 middle schools had the unique opportunity of participating in a choral celebration with renowned choral artist, Shanka Falls, through a partnership between the 112 Education Foundation and Ravinia Festival’s Reach*Teach*Play Education Programs. On Friday, May 4, this musical experience culminated with a performance at Ravinia’s beautiful Bennett Gordon Hall.
Ms. Falls, a Ravinia Teaching Artist, spent time with each grade level at Edgewood, Elm Place and Northwood schools to introduce the students to the rich tradition of gospel music, which spans from spirituals sung by African American slaves to today’s uplifting and joyful popular songs. A classical vocalist and teacher, Ms. Falls is the director of the choral program at the Ravinia Lawndale Family Music School.
Sixth-graders from the three schools performed The Drinking Gourd; seventh-graders performed Joyful, Joyful, and eighth-graders performed How Can I Keep From Singing. All three grades joined together at the end for a rousing rendition of Freedom is Coming.
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