Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter Visits Kenderton School!! Kenderton Choir Performs!!!

On Wednesday, May 26, 2010 Kenderton School had a special visit from Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. He visited our school during a special event called "Summer SLAM Block Party." During this event, the school was promoting it's upcoming summer school program called Summer SLAM to parents and community members. The Kenderton Music program was asked to contribute a special performance to the welcoming ceremony for Mayor Nutter.

The Kenderton Choir, directed by Kenderton music teacher Ezechial Thurman, sang one selection for Mayor Nutter-- "We Are The World" written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie (2010 version). The choir of 45 students was made up of students from first through eighth grades who sang and also rapped for the Mayor. The Choir did a fabulous job!!!

Mayor Nutter praised the choir and took the time to shake each child's hand and to pose for photos with the choir and Mr. Thurman. K-Town Records played a support role in this performance since the studio was used in arranging the song and in sequencing the drum track that was used during the choir's performance. Many members of the press were present so we hope to post photos and video from this special event as they become available!

Introducing K-Town Records

This blog will be used to feature "outside the box" music making and audio recording in an inner-city Philadelphia music classroom. Our goal is to post innovative ideas that incorporate technology into the music curriculum with the specific goal of inspiring and motivating middle school students at Kenderton School in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This blog will also serve as a location to publish original student recordings. We also plan to produce student videos. We plan to share resources and ideas that have worked successfully in the classroom and showcase student work.

Finally, we will explore music and music production as a vehicle for change in the inner city. Students will be challenged to create culturally-relevant music that carries a message of hope and forward progress. Students will gain hands on experience working in a recording studio currently based in our school called K-Town Records.