Published Tuesday, March 11, 2008 3:06 PM
Updated Tuesday, March 11, 2008 3:08 PM
The DuBose Middle School Steel Band Ensemble entertains visitors on Umoja Night at Alston Middle School.
From left, Alston Middle School chorus members Ramica Williams, Desmin Purvis and Levi Hampton entertain the crowd with replicas of instruments used by African tribesmen.
Henrietta Snipes demonstrates the art of Sweetgrass basket weaving.
With African drums, the tone of an instrument correlates to its size. Larger drums like this one produce a deeper sound.
Umoja night sounds ring through halls
Turnout was good for Umoja night held last week at Alston Middle School.
A culminating activity of its Black History Month, the event focused on the art, culture and cuisine of African Americans. Visitors were greeted by the sounds of the Alston Middle School band core students and the guitar and strings core students, who performed throughout the evening. The program featured drama presentations, Gullah storytelling and poetry.
Mike Greer and his DuBose Middle School Ensemble performed in the gym while Lorraine White lead the Alston Middle School vocal core students in a performance of African drumming and singing in the media center. Three generations of sweetgrass basket weavers - Henrietta, Latrelle and Kayla Snipes, were on hand to demonstrate and answer questions about their craft.
Visitors also had an opportunity to learn about instrument making, listen to creative writing prepared by the AMS creative writing core students, or observe performances by AMS dance core students.
Throughout the crowded halls, works of art created by AMS arts core students were on display, admired by many as visitors circulated to various points of interest around the school. By all accounts, the event was a success.