Thanks to a grant from The Mass Cultural Council, Rising Tide students enjoyed a visit from guest artists, West African drummers and dancers. Issa Coulibaly, a master djembe drummer from Mali, West Africa, along with two additional artists, shared the rich heritage of West African-style drumming and culture. On May 10, they taught groups of upper school students unique dances, and then gave a performance to the entire upper school so that all students could participate. 

The artists returned to Rising Tide on May 17 to work with our eighth graders, who enjoyed experiencing live music performed by these skilled players. It was truly a unique and eye-opening experience. One of the musicians, Yokuba, comes from a griot family who can trace their musical lineage back 18 generations. His ancestors served as advisors to West African kings. The students were also impressed that they made the instruments themselves.

Special thanks to the Mass Cultural Council for their generous grant in support of our students’ educational experience.