story
Drumming in Jamaica
From the moment the drums arrived on site, the school was vibrant with
enthusiasm in anticipation of the beginning our drumming class. Students,
who would otherwise rush home after the last bell rang, happily helped to
unpack and assemble the new drums from REMO. Then something magical
happened. The school came alive as the students proudly played the drums in
procession to the classroom with confidence and beaming smiles all along
the way.
Last February,
Aaron Nigel Smith, founder of One World Chorus, had the opportunity to
spend a week as a guest music teacher at the Haile Selassie High School in
Kingston, Jamaica. This experience was transformative for the students, the
greater community and for Aaton. Thanks to the support of the Remo
drums ,1Love Foundation and Keen Footwear, he was not only able to return
to Haile Selassie High School, but also donated 37 drums to the school that
will be used to continue a weekly drum class.
From the moment the drums arrived on site, the school was vibrant with
enthusiasm in anticipation of the beginning our drumming class. Students,
who would otherwise rush home after the last bell rang, happily helped to
unpack and assemble the new drums from REMO. Then something magical
happened. The school came alive as the students proudly played the drums in
procession to the classroom with confidence and beaming smiles all along
the way.
In post-residency interviews, a reoccurring theme was the affirmation
that music makes the students feel better, giving them a sense of hope and
possibility.