Teach the Beat!

Bringing the distinctive D.C. sound of go-go into the classroom.

Teaching for Change is honored to work with D.C.  area schools and the authors of The Beat! Go-Go Music from Washington, D.C. to develop lessons and share teaching ideas for infusing the history and music of go-go in middle and high school social studies, language arts, math, music, and/or D.C. history classes, and to bring renowned go-go performers into D.C. classrooms.

"Go-go has stayed true to time-honored cultural scripts such as live call-and-response, live instrumentation, as well as its locally rooted fashions, slang, dance, distribution and economic systems. Simply put: Go-Go never sold out. There is a grit and texture to the music that gives voice to the communities where it was created." –Natalie Hopkinson

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March 22 and March 24: Sweet Cherie at Center City PCS Petworth

“Sweet Cherie” Mitchell-Agurs shut down the cafeteria for Ms. Jordan’s middle school dance classes at Center City PCS Petworth during visits the week of March 21st. Before the visits even began, “Sweet Cherie” captured the hearts of educators at the school, specifically long-time Be’la Dona fan Ms. James, who snapped a picture with her before she was able to welcome Jordan’s 6th-grade dance class students. “Bela’ Dona is my FAVORITE band, y’all!”

When “Sweet Cherie” returned to visit with Jordan’s 8th-grade dance class later that week, she blew away a new group of students through her lesson. Students were introduced to history on the origins of go-go, a breakdown of the elements of go-go’s sound, and the different roles of a go-go function, as well as a performance of some iconic go-go songs.

By the end of the sessions, students were just as captivated by “Sweet Cherie” as her adult fans were, asking for her autograph, invites to upcoming shows, and a request to perform at their 8th-grade graduation! One student noted that their class visit was so fun and engaging, 

It felt like [he] was at a cookout with all [his] favorite aunties.

Jordan also noted:

Sweet Cherie was amazing — very engaging and energetic! The eighth-graders enjoyed her so much they asked if she could perform at their graduation/promotion in June.

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