HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Abby Hess is entering her fifth year as a music teacher at Freedom Elementary School in Hopkinsville, having spent part of her summer in a global music program in Africa to broaden her musical horizons and pass along new experiences to students.
“I was able to bring back a lot of things that my students can look at and play with and hopefully appreciate different cultures,” Hess told Christian County Now. “I think what every music teacher in our district is hoping for is that we give each student some way to show their voice.”
Nunya Music Academy, cultural experienecs
Funded by a partial scholarship from the Orff Institue and her additional earnings as a server, Hess was able to spend two and a half weeks in Dzodze,mGhana for Orff Afrique masterclasses. Led Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo in his home village, the courses invite educators to experience African music in its natural setting.
Hess shared that members of the village welcomed the incoming trainees with a ceremony and a large celebratory drum circle. Each day was filled with classes in various musical art forms including African dance, drumming, and xylophone. Aside from the immersive trainings, she spent her time exploring the culture and engaging with local children at the Nunya Music Academy…