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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May 18: Ju Ju House at Seaton ES

June 08, 2022 / Mykella Palmer

Ms. Athena Kopsidas’ art room at Seaton ES was rockin’ with the sound of the pocket and bounce beats, led by none other than Teach the Beat co-founding teaching artist William “Ju Ju” House. The third graders were on the edge of their seats, excited to form their four-part bands and demonstrate what they’d learned about the fundamentals of go-go. Providing individual attention to every student while also encouraging cohesion and group harmony are teaching practices Ju Ju is gifted with, and he did so beautifully during this powerful visit!

Kopsidas shared:

Music connects us in so many ways; Ju Ju brought so much joy while challenging students to work together and try new things.

categories / 2022