Orchard Knob Elementary school is having a month of remembrance celebrating black life, history, and culture.
Events include Famous African-American Parade, Black History Oratorical contest, Black Arts Festival, OKE Black History Museum, African-American Film Festival, Black History Quiz Bowl, Black History Play and will culminate with a presentation by professional musician John Gray of the J. Gray Trio, Soul Juke Box and Michael Foster Project on Friday, at 1 p.m. in the auditorium.
The presentation, entitled “The Language of Jazz”, will expose the students to the essential elements used to create the music we call jazz using call and response, live performance, and humor, Mr. Gray will explain the music of jazz in a fun and interactive manner.
Mr. Gray has earned both an Associate of Arts degree in jazz as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in classical performance from Southern University. He was a dedicated student and mentee of jazz clarinetist and master teacher, Alvin Baptiste.
The special presentation is co-sponsored by Jazzanooga and the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Chattanooga.
“We are teaching our students about the wonderful contributions that Black African-Americans made to the world,” said LaFredrick Thirkill, principal.
The community is invited to come and see the Black History play on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 5:30 p.m. and tour the OKES Black History Museum.
For more information, contact Candle Lockett at lockett_c@hcde.org or 404 270-0506.